Empowering students and educators for tomorrow's challenges through Work-Based Learning
The WBL Champion project is committed to promoting Work-Based Learning (WBL) as a transformative approach in education, particularly within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Our mission is to prepare students with the essential skills and experiences needed to excel in the professional environment by integrating real-world experiences directly into their educational pathways.
Key Features of WBL
Work-Based Learning offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Job Readiness: Direct exposure to the working environment prepares students more effectively for their future careers.
- Increased Student Engagement: Practical application of knowledge keeps students motivated and engaged.
- Improved Learning Outcomes: Students achieve better results when they understand the relevance of their studies to real-world scenarios.
- Reduction of Skill Mismatches: WBL aligns educational outcomes with the actual needs of the labour market, addressing skill gaps effectively.
Despite its success in Vocational Education and Training (VET), WBL is less common in Higher Education settings. This project aims to close this gap by fostering the integration of WBL into HE curricula, aligning educational practices with the demands of today’s labour market.
Our Objectives
Enhance Digital Competencies
We aim to boost the digital skills of HEI staff to integrate digital tools in WBL, supporting the digital transformation in education.
Develop Innovative Tools
By providing free, accessible and innovative tools for HEI staff, students, companies, and industry mentors, the project ensures that all stakeholders can engage effectively with digital aspects of WBL.
Redesign HEI Courses
We are redesigning six existing HEI courses to include WBL, directly addressing labor market demands and facilitating smoother transitions for students into the workforce.
Our Target Groups
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and their staff
Industry partners and companies
HEI Students
Policy Makers
Our Planned Outputs include
A comprehensive report analysing national and European WBL policies and practices, offering a framework for effective implementation.
A QA toolkit for HEIs and industry to ensure high standards in WBL implementation.
Development of three CPD courses for tutors, industry mentors, and HEI administrators to enhance the quality of WBL programmes.
Launch of an online platform to foster a community of WBL practitioners and host all project resources.
Redesign of six HE qualifications to embed WBL in their curricula, enhancing student workplace readiness
Pilot testing of CPD training and redesigned curricula to refine WBL implementation strategies
We aim to achieve the following outcomes
