School of Lifelong Learning, Coventry University

Work-based learning: combining capability and competence

This project centres on the delivery of a year-long learning programme – The Capability Improvement Programme - for middle managers in large employers. The programme enables them to benchmark their competence and develop future capability and potential.

Those who complete the programme will achieve an NVQ (at level 3 or 4) in a relevant occupational area. They will also gain a Certificate of Lifelong Learning (Capability Improvement) which is a level 1 higher education programme.

The Capability Improvement Programme supports organisational development for each employer involved. A university Learning and Development Consultant, who is on site at the employer for the majority of the week, delivers and assesses learning. Learning is customised around critical incidents from each employer and is delivered at work to reduce time off the job.

In its first year of delivery, the programme has recruited approximately 260 students working with four large employers.

Funding award : £3,542,000

Web-site : www.coventry.ac.uk