SKILLS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES LIFELONG LEARNING NETWORK SSCLLN BEST PRACTICE GUIDES : GUIDE THREE Targeting Vocational Learners In Practice: Innovative marketing and information, advice and guidance techniques Focus: IAG Creating opportunities for vocational learners SSCLLN Best Practice Guides Introduction to SSCLLN Best Practice Guides SSCLLN BEST PRACTICE GUIDES: GUIDE THREE About the Guides Lifelong Learning Networks were established Targeting Vocational Learners across England to develop and promote In Practice: Innovative marketing and information, opportunities for people with vocational qualifications and/or experience to progress advice and guidance techniques more easily into and through higher education. Focus: IAG The networks are made up of partnerships of educational organisations such as universities and further education colleges who are Introduction working together to streamline access to This guide explores the wide range of activity undertaken by the higher education, and open up routes to graduate and post graduate levels. Network to develop the Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) The Skills for Sustainable Communities services available to vocational learners in the East Midlands. Lifelong Learning Network (SSCLLN), hosted by the University of Leicester, was established These activities targeted: in 2006. The Network covers a sub-region Learners aged 14-19 of the East Midlands across Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland. Adult Learners The Network is funded until December 2010 Practitioners e.g. support staff, tutors, IAG by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Community Members This best practice guide is part of a series Each project aimed to raise awareness amongst each of these groups of guides produced by the SSCLLN. These guides aim to share best practice used by of the benefits of progression and the range of opportunities available partner colleges and universities to enable to potential and current vocational learners. progression for vocational learners. Other guides in the series include: This guide highlights some key activities undertaken including: Delivering/developing the University Certificate in Professional Development Community events Bishop Grosseteste Touring Company Collaboration with Sector Skills Councils In Practice:Blueprint for Curriculum Development Working within existing networks Developing vocational curriculum Constructionsite: Developing a shared resource Research Developing Progression Agreements Taster events Developing APEL: A unique approach Online resources If you would like any of these guides please contact us. T: 0116 252 3693 E: [email protected] Website: www.le.ac.uk/ssclln page 03 Guide Three SSCLLN Best Practice Guides Why? What? The Skills for Sustainable Communities Lifelong Learning Network (SSCLLN) has worked with its The Skills for Sustainable Communities Lifelong Learning Network aimed to: partner colleges and universities in the East Midlands to develop a range of courses for vocational learners. These include foundation degrees, bridging courses and bite sized learning. In line with Raise awareness amongst potential vocational learners of higher level education recommendations made by Leitch* this improvement in choice and variety of courses are designed with opportunities available to them. employer and employee need in mind. Overcome barriers to learning through promotion and provision of appropriate IAG. However research** has shown that the target learners for these courses may have a number of barriers that prevent them from considering higher education. These barriers include: Encourage Network partner colleges and universities to target potential vocational Lack of awareness learners with non traditional methods. Time constraints Work with Network partners to pilot innovative IAG/marketing activities targeting Confidence issues potential vocational learners in the SSCLLN region. To help overcome this potential learners need “access to good quality, impartial information and advice Increase the number of enquiries received by partner colleges and universities for on local learning opportunities”*. vocational courses. The courses developed using LLN funding have helped address some of the perceived institutional Increase the number of learners on vocational courses in Leicestershire, barriers***. Issues such as inconvenient locations and timetables have been addressed by creating flexible and distance learning routes, the lack of relevant programmes has been dealt with by development of Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland. courses in line with demand. However dispositional barriers*** such as feeling too old to learn or lack of confidence also need to be addressed before the potential learner can begin to explore the educational To achieve these aims the Network worked with a range of partners and stakeholder groups to pilot opportunities available. innovative targeting methods designed to provide information and advice on learning opportunities. These methods include research, events, staff training, online resources, one to one sessions and paper Traditional marketing methods employed by partner institutions often include open days, paper and based resources. online prospectuses, course leaflets and advertising in web directories. Potential learners are then expected to make contact by phone, email, via the website or attend an open day. However, what if the potential vocational learners do not respond to these traditional methods due to the situational and dispositional barriers they may have? To help overcome this issue the Network aimed to offer added value to the traditional methods used by partners through supporting and funding innovative marketing and IAG activities. * Leitch Review of Skills Prosperity for all in the global economy - world class skills Final Report December 2006 ** National Adult Learning Survey 2005 *** Participation in Learning Projects and Programmes, Mark K Smith 1998, http://www.infed.org/biblio/b-partln.htm page 05 Guide Three SSCLLN Best Practice Guides 1. Taking Learning to the Community 2. Working with Employers Partners: SSCLLN, De Montfort University, LeicestHERday Trust in the Construction To help reach potential vocational learners in the community the Network worked with a local charity to pilot sector focused interactive IAG events in Leicester. Industry Partners: SSCLLN, Construction Skills Who? The LeicestHERday Trust is an umbrella organisation formed to give an equal voice to all women and The Network worked with Construction Skills, enhance the community at large by enhancing women’s life experiences. The LeicestHERday Trust the Sector Skills Council for construction, to and Network partner De Montfort University have worked together since 2004 on a range of widening help raise awareness and promote higher level participation projects in the community. They have extensive experience working in deprived areas of learning to employers and employees in the Leicester. As a result, they have developed relationships with a range of community groups and built up industry. a considerable network of contacts. Who? What? Construction Skills represent every part of the construction industry, from architects to bricklayers, The first event held in 2009 targeted a wide across the UK. Construction Skills employ a number of Company Development Advisers (CDAs) who audience of aged +16 and hoped to attract people regularly engage with employers. The Network helped build capacity for these CDAs to focus their visits who had the ambition to achieve a career in one on progression to higher level learning. of the diverse creative industry sectors but do not necessarily have the qualifications or experience What? to progress in this field. The event aimed to not Company Development Advisers (CDAs) first identified relevant companies to target. This includes only engage with the audience on a creative level those who are known to have employed someone with a level three qualification, or is of that standard, but to act as a platform to support and promote those employers who already have a training plan but have not delivered at level four and those who are the many courses and entry levels into the in a training group or are in a supply chain related to that training group. sector. Outcomes LeicestHERday worked with SSCLLN partner colleges and universities to plan and feature at 67 face to face employer visits took place with target companies to identify their training needs and set the event and as a result, the event included a whole range of interactive stalls from graphic design and up a delivery plan through the devising and regularly updating of a training plan. photography, to hair and beauty and art and crafts. Guest speakers and live practical demonstrations Following the initial visit, the CDAs returned to the relevant employer to assess progress, to assist took place throughout the day to inspire people and allow them to try out different activities. in breaking down any barriers that arose and provide further information, advice and guidance as Outcomes required. On the day, 15 organisations exhibited and 62 potential learners attended. The feedback from both delegates and exhibitors both during and after the event has proved to be excellent. As a result of the Construction Skills also organised and promoted three county events for employers, designed to event, 24 learners have now signed up to education courses. Following the success of this event