Abstract:

This paper will present the findings of the project’s research into employers’ views and practices in WBL in 5 EU countries (Italy, Poland, Denmark, UK, Latvia), across types of employers (Corporate and SMEs), national boundaries, different business areas (business, computing, technical) and considering topical EU drivers (economic, demographic, political).
The aim of the research was to develop a deeper and Europe-wide understanding of employers’ needs and contextual issues in workforce development by providing the basis for understanding their needs and aspirations and how Work Based Learning (through academic qualifications) can match these needs.

The research tools used included:
a) Country Specific Reports, focusing on
- General socio-economic profile
- Adult education and Training Programmes
- Overall situation related to WBL
b) Online Questionnaire addressed to employers/companies.
c) Case Studies that aim to highlight already existing WBL best practices within companies.
This standardized tools ensured a quantitative and qualitative perspective, allowing the basic statistical processing of the data and information received into illustrations using graphs and tables.

The presentation will discuss the main findings of the research, including:
• Economical/Legal factors. National investments in education and legislation specifically related to WBL as a common denominator.
• Differences in used WBL methods and the recognition of acquired competences. The need for explicit national validation systems on APEL and experiential learning.
• Skills needed by employers (identified through online survey): team working, oral communication, problem solving and customer handling.
• External training possibilities chosen by employers. Relevance of offered training to business and its cost effectiveness.

References:
An Approach to Qualifications through Negotiated Work Based Learning for the EU
Project Number: 510022-LLP-1-2010-1-UK-ERASMUS-ECUE
CEDEFOP, 2011, Learning while working Success stories on workplace learning in Europe.
CEDEFOP, 2009, Modernising vocational education and training. Fourth report on vocational training research in Europe: background report.
Employment Policy, European Commission, DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
Social Europe guide - Volume 1. http://www.wblqual.com

Keywords:

Work Based Learning, Employers’ engagement, Workforce development, Strategic benefits of education, Collaborative curriculum.