Abstract:

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) constitutes a fundamental component of university apprenticeship degree programmes. WIL facilitates the integration of academic knowledge with workplace practice and plays a critical role in evidencing professional competence. Effective implementation of WIL is essential for the successful delivery of apprenticeship degree programmes.

There are a variety of potential methods for assessment of WIL, and the use of portfolio development is a notably popular and proven mechanism. While it provides a flexible approach to documenting experience, appropriate scaffolding is required to support apprentices throughout their learning journey. Apprentices are employed in a wide range of organisations, and this scaffolding must account for diverse workplace experiences. This diversity is evidenced both in scale and domain of organisations, along with varied roles and career trajectories for individuals.

This paper presents a framework for personalised portfolio development that addresses role heterogeneity in WIL. The framework was iteratively designed and validated over five years through implementation in a software development apprenticeship degree programme. The first component of the framework is personal development planning, which is used to assist apprentices in developing a reflective approach to competency demonstration and progression. The second element is the provision of the support of a dedicated Learning Adviser (LA). The LA is a member of university staff who provides one-to-one guidance to apprentices. The third element of the framework is the use of formative assessments as a mechanism to support the apprentice in strategic portfolio reflection and development.

The framework developed has been successfully used to provide personalised learning pathways through portfolio creation to over 100 graduates, with a further 110 currently on programme. Graduates have achieved the development of comprehensive portfolios which have supported their final assessment and degree award, and their onward career progression. The approach used not only supports the immediate learning journey but provides lifelong skills in active career management. It is transferable to apprenticeship degree programmes across other disciplines where portfolio development is central to WIL.

Keywords:

Work-Integrated Learning, Apprenticeship Degrees, Portfolio Assessment, Personalised Learning.