A Work Experience Group regards ‘work-related learning’ as a process in which students of all ages can learn, with guidance, from experiences in the world of work; and if upon reflection (and absorption, p. 11) such students can articulate the lessons learned; they should be able to apply the lessons to future opportunities encountered in work and in life. Work-related learning includes during term-time in voluntary and paid employment; sandwich or block-release courses; and other academically recognised learning. (p. 7)
Guidance, mentioned above, is emphasised (p. 19) namely: “Students who are well prepared for their work-based learning are likely to learn more and to make better employees.” It is further argued that greater consistency and clarity with regard to (a) the objectives of the placement; (b) the expectations the student, the employer and the institution—the three key players; (c) the roles and responsibilities of each; and (d) how achievements will be measured. A good practice guide with regard to, among others these, should be implemented.
The Work Experience Group mentioned above had been established in November 2000 by the UK Department for Education and Skills (DfES, formerly the Department for Education and Employment) with the following terms of reference: “To consider options and recommend a strategy for increasing the full range of opportunities for all Higher Education (HE) students to undertake work experience, including paid and voluntary work, in a way that better enhances their employability.” (p. 2, Chairman Richard A Brown’s foreword).
Work Experience Group Report. 2002. Department for Education and Skills. Nottingham: DfES Publications. Electronically accessed 9 November 2013 from http://www.asetonline.org/documents/WRLR.pdf
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