Work related learning – essential or ‘bizarre’?

The Government has just concluded its consultation on the removal of the requirement to deliver work related learning at key stage 4. We await the outcome.

This has probably been the most controversial and, arguably, the least well thought out recommendation of the Wolf Review. After a careful evaluation of the ‘public’ response to this consultation, will the Government change their mind? This is extremely unlikely, and probably rightly so. If schools and teachers are to be respected for their professional judgement and given the ‘freedom’ to deliver what is best for their learners then they will plan the curriculum accordingly. Most will continue to value work-related learning and seek effective and innovative ways to deliver it – frequently supported by organisations such as NYBEP.

The consultation has had a good effect in generating debate and strength of feeling within the employer community. Many employers and their representative organisations see the potential loss of work experience for 15 and 16 year olds as a backward step, especially in a time of such high youth unemployment. To their credit, the CBI calls on employers to step up their contribution to improving the experience of young people in the workplace:

‘It is our duty to get involved….to give young people inspiration and understanding about what work is, why it matters and what they can achieve.’ CBI - Action For Jobs.

Professor Wolf concedes that work experience may be appropriate for those disengaged from the education system. However, well planned and managed experiences, opportunities and learning, embedded into and complementing academic study, will help to ensure that all young people develop their talents and find their place in the world. Young people, to make a commitment to their learning and progression, need a sense of the working world and the part that they might eventually play in it – this applies to the leaders of tomorrow as well as everyone else.

Speaking on Radio 5 Live earlier this week, Professor Wolf described work-related learning as ‘bizarre’. If you are in a school, is your work-related learning programme bizarre - or is it effective, with a positive impact on learners and their communities? If you want to review or re-energise your programme, and not to ditch it, we can help – just get in touch with NYBEP.