Transcript The Transferability of BTEC National Diplomas

The Transferability of Vocational
Qualifications
Reflections on some practical
strategies developed by the WVLLN
Western Vocational Lifelong
Learning Network
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Partnership:
Bath
Bath Spa
Bristol
Gloucestershire
Open University
Royal Agricultural College
University of the West of England
And all partner FE colleges
“The key objective for LLNs was
therefore to bring greater clarity,
coherence and certainty to progression
opportunities for learners on vocational
programmes, and to do so in the
context of a commitment to lifelong
learning so that learners ‘can move
between different kinds of vocational
and academic programmes as their
interests, needs and abilities develop’ ”
(HEFCE 12/2004)
Vertical - v – Lateral /
Progression
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The A Level experience
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The vocational trap
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Are we proprietorial?
Why this approach?
Initial LLN context
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Relatively clear slate
Progression team held extensive
discussions with learners tutors and
admissions tutors
Strategic approach 16-19 then adults
Developing the evidence base
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Skills mapping into Level 4
Not just generic skills, but specific subject
related matches
Carried out by progression team –
independently validated by subject
specialists
Range of National Diplomas mapped
BTEC National Diplomas in the following
sectors were reviewed for evidence of
curriculum matching
National Diplomas with significant skills
match BTEC National Diplomas where
sufficient curriculum matching is in
evidence for progression to Level 4
Business
Art
Business
& Design
Business
Construction
Engineering
Hair & Beauty
Health & Care
Hospitality and Catering
IT and Computing
Land-based
Media, Music & Performing Arts
Public Services
Retail
Science
Sport
Travel and Tourism
Construction
Engineering
Hospitality
& Catering
IT & Computing
Land-based
Media, Music & Performing Arts
Public Services
Retail
Travel and Tourism
Evidence of curriculum/subject matching between BTEC National Diplomas & Level
Business
Name of BTEC National Diploma
Transferable subject skills match to Level 4
Business
Engineering
Business
IT and Computing
E-Commerce
Systems
Care
E-Commerce
Business Improvement
Customer
Business
Information Systems
Calculations
Management
Marketing
Information Systems
Resources
Database
Business
Management Systems
IT
Media, Music and Performing Arts
Promotion
Retail
Customer
Event
Management
Developing a Small Business
Production Management
The Freelance World
Advertising
Marketing
Public Relations
Working Freelance
Service
Resources Management
Merchandising & promotion
Selling
Consumer behaviour/
protection
Marketing
Finance
Human
Progression Agreement:
Articulating Transferability
Level 3 Qualification
BTEC National Diploma
Level 4 – 6 Qualification
Travel and Tourism
Retail
Hospitality and Catering
Creative Industries
Public Services
Information Technology
Business and
Management
Construction
Engineering
Hair and Beauty Sciences
Health and Social Care
Business Studies
Key:
Transferable skills
content
Business Skills Content
Subject Specific Skills Content
Outcomes (1)
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Signed agreements by all partners giving
parity of consideration to BTEC applicants
Acceptance remains an institutional
decision based upon whole profile of the
learner but they are in the cut
Growing indicators from admission tutors
of positive response
Outcomes (2)
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Process work with admission tutors,
registry staff and FE staff
Wider knowledge and understanding of
BTEC qualifications
Better ways to present students’ case
Better sources of additionality
On-going Work
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Housekeeping and maintenance.
Support for learners (and tutors) to make
opportunity real. IAG tool / Enabling Curriculum
to build confidence, skills, support transition.
We need to break away from a deficit model of
compensatory action for vocational learners and
recognise the strength and validity of vocational
qualifications in their own right.