Understanding Work-Based Learning

Traditional education models at undergraduate and postgraduate level are built on the presumption that learners can devote time to fulltime attendance at educational institutions. However those in full time work can enjoy rich experiential learning without setting foot in educational institutions. The book provides an introduction to work based learning gives a series of practical examples of how validated higher level qualifications have been delivered using the workplace as a central source of learning experience and provides some practical information including do's and don'ts. It takes from the case studies examples of how traditional education models need to be adapted to create access to higher level education for those in full time employment. It is essential reading for those wanting to gain higher level qualifications while working and HE education departments as well as curriculum designers wanting an insight into the learner's experience.

Professor Roodhouse has substantial experience as an educator, manager and researcher in the fields of management, education, training and creative industries. He is extensively published in national and international journals such as, the International Journal of Arts Management, the International Journal of Museum Management and Curatorship, and the Journal of Arts Management, Laws and Society. He has been guest editor of journals such as the Journal of Vocational Education and Training, and sits on various editorial boards including, most recently, the Education and Training Journal. His book on Cultural Quarters was published in 2006 by Intellect followed by Employers Skills and Higher Education published by Kingsham Press in 2007 and he is founding editor of Creative Industries Journal with Middlesex University. Currently he is Professor at the Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University and the University of Technology, Sydney. In addition he has worked with Dr Mumford at the University Vocational Awards Council as the founding Chief Executive and more recently the Technical Director at HE@Work. Dr Mumford has been a champion of workplace skills and the accreditation of workplace learning for many years. He is chair of HE@WORK, and was until recently a board member of the Universities Vocational Awards Council. He is Visiting Senior Fellow at Surrey University School of Management, past Chairman of the Sector Skills Council for Oil, Gas, Chemicals and Nuclear, and a Broad Member of Foundation Degree Forward, and the environmental charity Green-Works. Dr Mumford served at BP for over 30 years spanning senior management positions in Europe, Australasia and Asia. From 1998-2006, as BP Vice President UK Region, he dealt extensively with BP's reputation, governance and government relations issues. In 2003, Dr Mumford received an OBE, for his services to the environment. He is a noted public figure for his work in alternative energy and the environment particularly in transport.