Work based projects within full-time

programme delivery – an example

Gerhard FehringerDirector of Placements

Engineering and Environment

Placements vital for employability skills

• Study carried out for Northumbria University students in 2012 by Sue Griffiths (on behalf of Careers & Employment Service)

• Students taking a placement:

• Achieved higher degree classification

• Were more likely to be employed and be employed at graduate level

• Have higher salaries

• Findings were statistically significant

Examples of employers we work with

Placement alternatives?

• Other options when full one year placement not suitable/desirable for a programme?

• How not to disadvantage students compared to sandwich degree options?

• How to integrate work based learning into full-time programme delivery?

Placement alternatives?

• Developed 20 credit Level 5 module Work Based Project

• Incorporates strong work based learning element – placed one day per week in the workplace

• Currently running successfully on FD ICT programme, considering to offer on other Computing programmes

Preparation – going through normal placement preparation events

• Induction for first year students: “Employment Skills in the Digital Age” delivered by Oracle

• Schedule of events from induction week in year 2:

• Placement briefing sessions

• Poster Fair with students coming back from placement

• Employment skills session (HP)

• CV preparation sessions (Careers)

Specific Preparation and Delivery

• Placement office working with academics to source suitable employment opportunities during Sem 1

• Preparation module in Sem 1:Project Management & Professional Issues

• WBP 20 credit module Sem 2 Level 5 with unique delivery: Students spend the week before Sem 2 starts in the workplace, followed by one day per week for Sem 2

• 6x1hour support lectures

• 1:1 meetings Week 2 (proposal), 7 (feedback on proposal), 11 (report)

• Surgery session Week 12 (presentation)

Assessment – Proposal

• Proposal (Week 5):

• Introduction/ organisational context

• Description of project/aims & Objectives

• Module Learning to be used,

• Skills to be enhanced, new skills to be developed

• List of professional requirements to be used as a guide

• Project Plan

Assessment – Final Submission

• Product/Portfolio, Presentation and Report (Week 14)

• Reflection and evaluation of

• Achievement of Objectives

• Module learning

• Skills and project process

• Personal performance

• Future personal development

• Future product/portfolio development

Challenges for Students and Staff

• Students:

• Pushed out of their comfort zone

• Different learning environment with line manager, colleagues and customers

• Staff:

• Finding and keeping the employers

• Not to disadvantage students that cannot be placed

• Not to disadvantage students where placement did not work out – 1:1s important to pick up any problems early

Employers and Example of Student Work

• Hashimoto: Helpdesk system development

• Stead Lane Primary School: – e-Learning Platform development

• David Grey PLC: First Line IT Support

• Security Risk Management Ltd: Network & Server maintenance

• Nissan: Development of bespoke information system

• High-Tech Seals – Part of website

Feedback on the module• Students:

- “...the module was a great confidence booster”

- “...really enjoyed working outside of University”

- “...good opportunity for real employment”

- “...improved my communication skills by interacting with clients”

• External examiner:

- “A good range of projects, including some excellent work”

- “The Work Based Learning activity is a particular strength, with students undertaking real world activity...”

Thank you!