Stakeholder involvement in WBL

A key priority for the Learning & Skills Council, as identified in Skills in England 2002, is to work ‘with employers to break the vicious circle of low skill equilibrium’ with a view to raising awareness of the skills needed to improve performance. One possible way forward is for work-based leaning providers to work more closely with employers, developing partnerships across the sector in an attempt to improve the quality of provision (DfES 2002). From a pragmatic standpoint, partnerships can: ‘bring together like-minded organisations, more resources, encouraging innovation and collaboration to ensure better, more flexible and more varied provision for learners’ (Sargant 1998:2). The value and potential of partnership working relates to the fact that each party brings myriad strengths and weaknesses. Barriers faced by one have the potential to be overcome by working with another, thereby building the capacity to deliver effective WBL strategies capable of improving learner outcomes as well as improving employer competitiveness. Responding to this challenge, a small number (12) of development projects have taken place with the explicit aim of establishing employer/training provider/college links. They have involved strategies for encouraging crossfertilisation from providers and users, and interventions promoting exchange and development of practice ensuring currency in WBL and the sharing of good practice. This paper will present a number of strategies that have been implemented in an attempt to respond to this government directive. Department for Education and Skills (2002). Success for All. Reforming Further Education and Training. Our Vision for the Future. DfES Learning & Skills Council (2002). Skills in England 2002. LSC Sargant, N.E (1998). Effective Local and Regional Partnerships for Lifelong Learning. Working Paper. National Advisory Group for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (NAGCELL) Stakeholder Involvement in Work-based Learning