Opportunities and challenges were discussed from the three perspectives. The Retail industry, the student/worker and Higher Ed. Although the programs from Ireland, The Netherlands and Belgium differ in stages of maturity (as in the years of experience obtained) and vary in shape and concept, the underlying "drivers" and benefits were clear and shared by all partners.
As Higher Ed and the industry have been struggling for years to fill the gap between education and the needs of the industry, the benefits of making use of learning opportunities offered to students/employees within the working environment is quite obvious. "In the old days" the master/apprentice scheme was a natural way of leaning and development. However, at some stage this wasn’t the starting point for (Higher) Education anymore.
What was actually surprising to see was that discussing the topic of work-based learning feels more "natural" to educators, students/employees and the industry then may be expected. Although we did see small and bigger differences in culture, history and the legislative environment between Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, it was good to conclude that there are far more similarities in the benefits of work based learning than meets the eye.
One of the key success-factors for the success of work based learning for all three partners involved (student/employee, Higher Ed and the industry) was to involve all three parties in every action taken. In designing the programs, evaluation these, progress testing, interaction etc., at every step of the way it is important to keep the triangle intact and always make use of the three perspectives to be able to create/generate maximum value for every stakeholder involved. It was good to actually be able to exchange experiences and best practices for everyone to learn from, build upon and evolve to the next level.
Key benefits of work-based learning were recognized and embraced from the three perspectives. Discussing them form the different angles allowed all participants to sharpen their view and reflect on how to be even more effective.
A big thanks to everyone involved for offering a platform to exchange experiences and expertise on this topic with the key partners involved in a multinational setting. Work-based learning has huge potential to reinforce possibilities for development of everyone involved.
For everyone working in Higher Ed, work based learning and the main principals underlying this concept might be one of the best opportunities to meet the needs of students, industry and for us as educators. Not a stunningly new concept, but a very attractive way to look at learning and developing students in the industry and Higher Ed.
It keeps us on our toes, challenges us to evolve in every way to keep up with all the challenges and gives real, visible answers. For faculty working in Higher Ed it can re-ignite a sense of joy and passion. Working in a work-based learning concept actually can bring back the "sparkle in their eyes". Enthusiasm and passion are contagious and these qualities will no doubt be transferred on to the student and retailer, which then fosters curiosity and forms a solid basis for learning and development.
In other words, a "welcome back to the reason you became an educator"...
4 comments:
It was indeed an inspirational get-together, with all three "sides" of the triangle (employer - HEI - student) chipping in, and this generated useful ideas.
The main difference between our three countries and systems, for me, is the degree to which the 3 partners are ready to accept the others' role in constructing a learning environment.
Students are a disparate group, staying with the HEI for only a short time, but it is really key to empower them. In Belgium at least, there is a long long way to go here.
Companies and Higher Ed are learning to trust one another, and to communicate their wishes.
For us at HoGent Retail Management this day has been a rallying moment.
It was a pleasure to share our experience of WBL to those in attendance. WBL can be challenging but the benefits are very significant to all three stakeholders
Very interesting, Nina. I wondering, can work-based learning also help to ease some of the funding issues for higher education? In other words, could business and industry help to cover some of the costs of higher education in exchange for having our students work with them?
Hi Steve,
In many cases in the Netherlands the employer does contribute. He would almost always invest in time for coaching, research and experiment because that is essential for the student/ employee to develop within his profession. To actually be a valuable employee. In many cases the employer will also contribute to financial aspects. He might pay for books, the time needed for studies, college fees and sometimes all three. The best "return on investment" is the right percentage that both students and employers will invest in time effort and financing the studies. This topic needs to be discussed in the triangle and can even change during this process.
Anyway, as all countries I visited have a different legislative environment, especially as funding for Higer Ed is concerned it’s always a topic to discuss with the industry. And ... If not only the student/ employee is our targetgroup (or customer) but the society and employers are essential stakeholders are as well, the permanent interaction between student/employer and Institutes if Higher Ed should not only be based upon co-operation. All three will benefit from co-creating.
I personally think it is not only a waste of time and money to Not work together, it’s not only ineffective... I truly believe without serious input of all three, we are not learning.
To help you out in this dialogue:
Director at HR manager : "What if we invest in our people and then leave our company?" Manager : 'what if we do not, and they stay ?
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