Becoming a Learning through Work partner

Since LtW was launched in 2000, more than 3000 learners have benefitted from LtW programmes.  learndirect currently have eleven university and college partners, with whom they deliver university level qualifications in the workplace via Learning through Work (LtW). 

LtW offers universities and colleges an additional route to attract new learners.  Widening participation in the workforce is at the heart of LtW, and it can help forge closer relationships with employers at all levels, from SMEs to large multinationals.  To ensure maximum engagement from employers LtW has been designed with employers and their staff in mind. 

LtW is an online learning system that has been specifically designed to facilitate and support HE level work-based learning.  The key features of LtW include:

• An introductory/exploratory website which helps users decide if LtW is right for them and incorporates an online application form
• The LtW interactive website which enables individualised programmes of learning to be designed, developed and undertaken.
• A range of on-line learning content
• The integrated management/admin site which enables HEIs to process applications online, allocate tutors to students, track the status of applications and contracts, see when applications and contracts need attention etc
• A cohort contract facility that enables HEIs to set up programmes for groups.  These can be as prescribed or flexible as required and designed for employment based groups or particular programme cohorts (Foundation Degrees for example).
• A dialogue facility which enables learner/tutor interaction
• A linked discussion board developed exclusively for LtW participants and tutors.  This incorporates a number of conferences allowing for communication at institutional or group level.

Having a well-developed structure and comprehensive set of help resources online and not requiring attendance has clear implications in terms of an institution’s ability to take on more students without a corresponding investment in additional resources.

The administrative load of operating a learning contract based programme is also reduced through provision of comprehensive support resources and the admin site.

The online nature of the framework means that learners – individuals and groups – can be supported wherever they live and work.

The online learning packages can be a very cost-effective way of providing good-quality content for work-based learners without requiring attendance.

Integrating LtW into your course offer is easy, there are a range of LtW options to suit different requirements.  The LtW learning platform is fully supported and maintained by learndirect.

If you want to find out more about becoming a LtW partner please contact the LtW team on 0114 291 5639 or e-mail ltw@ufi.com.