The delivery of education and training must continually evolve to meet the changing needs of industry. These days, time constraints are a major factor to be reckoned with, so it is important that providers are able to adapt their methods of delivery to fit in with working practices.
For instance, the Institute of Wood Science (IWSc) allows industry the choice of its courses being run during working hours, or candidates can progress through the course at home using a remote tutor. With courses specifically designed for the distance learning approach, there is no longer a requirement for candidates to sit in a classroom environment.
In another example of adaptability, the Institute of Carpenters (IoC) has started to work closely with the London Apprenticeship Company (LAC).
The LAC arranges the training of apprentices by organising their study time at colleges while providing work placements within industry. It works along the lines of a personnel company providing temporary staff when requested. The LAC employs the apprentices and invoices their time to the companies using their services.
This symbiotic relationship benefits the IoC as it provides a ready supply of new blood wishing to join the professional body; taking out membership at this early stage offers the apprentice the opportunity to mark themselves out as being a ‘cut above’ the average.
For the company providing the short-term work experience they benefit by being able to have suitably qualified personnel only when required, while the LAC hold on their books a supply of personnel under training which industry finds has a good work ethic.
The programme also provides the apprentices with a more diverse work experience than if they were employed by a single company. This approach also provides the practical experience required for an NVQ.
Adaptability in providing choice and flexibility is very much a part of the modern approach to education and training. Such an inclusive approach will benefit those who take advantage of the numerous new methods of programme delivery.
