Aiming University Learning at Work (AUL@W)

A partnership:

University of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University,

University of St Andrews

Aiming University Learning @ Work

• Bid submitted in response to ‘Learning to Work’– much ongoing in relation to work experience and

placements…. less known about WRL

– worth exploring WRL as an alternative/complement to structured work placements

– to raise awareness of embedded WRL to promote students’ employability, particularly in non-vocational disciplines

AUL@W Project

• Aim:– to identify strategies and practices that would

enhance and facilitate delivery of WRL

• Piloting models for sustainable WRL across a variety of disciplines

• Assessing the effectiveness of discipline-based models of WRL

• Researching barriers to and opportunities for embedding WRL in curricula

• Assessing the effectiveness of pilot models• Exploring opportunities for awarding credit • Providing guidance to the sector

Approach to the AUL@Work project

• Work carried out in three phases– research

– pilot work in non-vocational disciplines

– evaluation of the pilot projects

• Recommendations of sustainable practices and structures

Work Related Learning – what is it?

‘Work Related Learning encompasses the higher order attributes, skills and

understandings students gain throughout the course of their degree, from a broad range of activities in, or related to, the world of work, which will enhance their learning, progress into, adaptability for, and success in, their chosen careers.’

AUL@W Project, 2009

Key Findings

• WRL that is delivered and experienced in the context

of the discipline develops students’ subject-specific

learning and skills and attributes that prepare them well

for the world of work

• Successful WRL initiatives are relevant to the

programme of study and are assessed and accredited

• Students, graduates, academic staff and employers

agree on the benefits of WRL

• Students want WRL to be embedded in the

curriculum and offered throughout the whole degree

programme

Key Findings

• WRL provides a range of options through which to

engage employers, students and academics in

students’ personal development and employability

• Transferability of WRL (Project pilots)

• There are common barriers to implementation

• Provision of WRL requires an underpinning structure

and support mechanisms

• WRL must be embedded in institutional strategy &

policy

http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/aulw/