Work-based learning and higher education

KSA has continued to build its reputation nationally in the arena of learning and work. Having completed a study on workplace learning in North East England on behalf of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, KSA used its knowledge of this area to undertake further research for the Higher Education Academy. The study focused on illuminating the higher education landscape and the extent to which the sector currently supports workforce development. The report was launched at a national conference and was welcomed by the Minister of State at the Department for Education and Skills in June 2006.

The Higher Education Academy is continuing to draw on KSA's specialist knowledge and expertise to support the HE sector in meeting employers higher level skills needs. Our work involves building collaborative and strategic partnerships across agencies such as the DfES, HEFCE, Universities UK, Sector Skills Development Agency, Foundation Degree Forward and the Council for Industry and Higher Education.

A typology of work based learning has emerged from our work that challenges existing thinking and has been widely regarded by the higher education sector and has been adopted by Sector Skills Councils to inform their thinking.

Read the Workplace Learning report on the HEFCE website:

www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/rdreports/2006/rd12_06/

Workplace learning typology