Columnist

The future of workforce training – from the classroom to hospital wards and beyond…

Upskilling is not a new concept but now, more than ever, it is an important one if organisations are to be ready for post-pandemic recovery. People are the key to an organisation’s success, and it is important to have the right people with the right skills - not only for right now, but for the future.

Traditional training may not be the answer. Research tells us that people tend to forget much of what they have learned in a matter of weeks, if not days. Where this is known to significantly improve is if that knowledge is meaningful, and if it is revisited at different times. This is where work-based learning programmes such as apprenticeships can really make a difference, as apprentices are learning all the time – on the job and off the job.

The level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship

At the University of Sunderland, we have developed an employer focused, research-informed Learning and Skills Teacher apprenticeship which is highly responsive to employer needs. We have worked collaboratively with employers to address any skills gaps around training and education to improve the quality of teaching and learning within their organisation.

The Learning and Skills Teacher apprenticeship is not targeted purely at unqualified teachers but can include anyone who is delivering vocational education and training to a workforce.

We are focused on supporting apprentices to build their skills, knowledge, and professional behaviours. Apprentices apply their knowledge in their own job role through the delivery of teaching and training at work.

We are currently working with University College London Hospitals with apprentices from a range of specialisms including pharmacy, dental nursing, neurocritical care, and manual handling training.

Other organisations we are working with closer to home are Foundation of Light, a community education partner who wanted to upskill their tutors to become qualified teachers.

We also work with the Beacon of Light School, an alternative provision for 13 to 16-year olds. Steph Forster, Science Curriculum Lead and a mentor at the Beacon of Light School had this to say about our LST apprenticeship “the content the apprentices are covering on this apprenticeship is what will make them great teachers!”

Andrea Brown, a Senior Lecturer on the LST Apprenticeship said “in my ongoing reviews with apprentices and their workplace mentors, the feedback I am receiving is so positive, hearing how much the learners have developed in such a short space of time. The apprentice teacher and the employer win, as new skills, knowledge and behaviours are brought back into the workplace for the benefit of all.”

Businesses can benefit from funding to support apprenticeships. For levy-paying employers it’s an opportunity to attract talent to your business, train your staff and enjoy the ultimate return on investment from your levy payments. For smaller businesses, the Government will fund up to 95% of apprenticeship tuition fees. Employers can also claim an incentive payment of £3,000 for employing a new apprentice of any age before 30 September 2021.

The Learning and Skills Teacher apprenticeship programme is due to start September 2021. There are a series of information events taking place over the coming weeks which will provide an opportunity to discuss the programme in detail.

Register your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/144510698389

Visit the Learning and Skills Teacher apprenticeship programme website: Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship | The University of Sunderland or contact our team direct at apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by University of Sunderland .