Lifelong Professional Education

What is an Access to Higher Education Diploma?

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which prepares students for study at university. It is designed for people who would like to study in at higher education level but who left school without the usual qualifications, such as A levels. Often these students have valuable life experience and work experience that enables them to go on to university. Many Access to HE Diploma students go on to succeed at university and beyond, with a large number pursuing new careers and seeing changes in their lives that they had never thought possible.

What does an Access to HE Diploma involve?

The emphasis will be on teaching the relevant study skills that you will need to be a successful student at university. For each unit successfully completed, you will gain credits that gradually build towards the 60 credits that are required for the Access to HE Diploma. Access to HE Diplomas are available in a wide range of subject areas, and by contacting your local Further Education College you can find out which subjects areas are offered locally.

How long will it take?

Programmes start in September and are completed by the end of June each year for full-time students.Most Access to HE Diplomas can be completed in a year or less. For one-year courses, you will typically study for up to 16 hours a week in college (though there is some variation between different colleges), as well as doing a certain amount of private study outside classes. However, many people with family or work commitments prefer to study over two or more years, and most courses allow you to do this. There are also courses provided in the evenings or by distance learning if you need to continue with a full-time job while you study. Should you have to interrupt your studies, you’ll be awarded the credits that you’ve earned. This gives you the flexibility to pick up where you left off at a later time and complete the course, if you’re able to.

Do I need to have studied recently?

One of the key features of Access to HE Diploma courses is that you are not required to have any particular previous qualifications to start – and it does not matter how long it is since you last studied. An Access to HE Diploma course will help you to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to prepare you for university.

Most of students have not studied for some time and colleges understand that it is a big step to return to the classroom. Tutors are very experienced at working with adults with a wide range of educational, life and work experience and take this into account in their teaching: you won’t be ‘thrown in at the deep end’ or tested on things which you forgot years ago. The whole purpose of an Access to HE Diploma course is to help you to be successful and to equip you with the academic requirements for a university course.

Am I too old?

No. Almost everyone considering an Access to HE programme worries that they may be too old or too long away from study, and so left it too late. Your life experience will be valuable on the course and you will find that other Access student, as well as those at university, cover a wide age range from 19 to 90!

Do universities recognise the Access to HE Diploma?

Each year, around 20,000 Access to HE students apply to universities across the UK. What’s more, the framework for the approval of Access to HE courses is managed by the universities’ own quality assurance organisation, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). A course which is recognised through this framework is permitted to use the Access to HE logo
and this also appears on the actual diplomas which are awarded to students.

For further information

Contact: www.accesstohe.ac.uk

Apprenticeships Programmes

An apprenticeship is a nationally recognised route to qualifications which involves completing a ‘framework’ which combines work-based and theoretical learning. Currently there are nationally agreed apprenticeship frameworks in 180 sectors

Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based training. Already, more than 130,000 employers offer Apprenticeships.

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Away from work, normally on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 and not in full-time education can apply.

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £95 a week; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.

Key benefits:

• earn a salary
  
• get paid holidays
  
• receive training
  
• gain qualifications
  
• learn job-specific skills.
  

Learn on the job

Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. Apprentices work towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and a ‘Technical Certificate which is another nationally recognised qualification within their chosen sector.

Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show learners have been trained in the skills they need.

Apprenticeships typically take between one and four years to complete, depending on the type of framework. There is no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer’s requirements.

Earn while you learn

Apprentices do real jobs for real employers. They are paid while they learn. When entering work, apprentices are paid from day one of their Apprenticeship.

There is no set rate of pay for apprentices, however all employed apprentices must receive a wage of no less than £95 per week and a recent survey showed that the average wage per week for an apprentice is now around £170 and in some job roles around £210 per week.

As skills develop, pay will increase accordingly. Some apprentices may also get additional money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help with a disability. As apprentices, learners receive the same benefits as other employees such as pension contributions, subsidised canteen and leisure facilities.

Levels of Apprenticeships

There are three levels of Apprenticeship available for those aged 16 and over:

1 – Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes)

• Apprentices work towards work-based
  

  Learning qualificaitons such as NVQ
  

  Level 2, Key Skills and a relevant
  

  knowledge-based qualification such
  

  as a BTEC Certificate or First Diploma.
  

   

• These provide the skills needed to
  

  Progress in a chosen career and allow
  

  Entry to an Advanced Apprenticeship.

2 – Advanced Apprenticeships (equivalent to two A-level passes)

• Advanced apprentices work towards work-based learning qualificaitions wuch as NVQ 3, Key Skills and a relevant
  

  knowledge based certificate or diploma such as a BTEC.
  

   

• To start an Advanced Apprenticeship Learners would normally have five GCSEs (Grade C or above) or have completed an Apprenticeship..
  

3 – Higher Apprenticeships

• Higher Apprenticeships work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 4 and a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation degree.
  

Training.

Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well.

There are targets and checks to make sure that the employer is supporting apprentices and individual apprentices are making progress.

As an employee apprentices will be in employment for most of their time as most training takes place on the job. The rest usually takes place at a local college or a specialist training organisation.

The amount of time spent completing an Apprenticeship varies according to the individual Apprenticeship. It could be anything from one day every other fortnight to two days every week.

Apprentices also spend time off the job with a training provider – often a local college or a work-based training provider – studying for vocational qualifications to acquire the knowledge needed which will be useful at work and in helping build a future career..

Who are Apprenticeships for?

There may be different entry requirements for Apprenticeships depending on the occupational sector. You just need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education.

Apprenticeships are open to all age groups above 16years-old whether someone is just leaving school, has been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.

Competition for places with employers can be fierce, so demonstrating commitment and awareness of responsibilities both to own needs and that of the company/employer is important.

All apprentices need to be happy to work as both part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.

Further information and guidance is available from the National Apprenticeship Service: www.apprenticeships.org.uk or from your local Further Education College or Connexions Service.

LLN 01 10/11

The South London Lifelong Learning Network Extension

Supporting progression and access to higher education in the South London region, through lifelong learning opportunities and flexible provision.

South London Lifelong Learning Network (LPE) Extension

A wide range of new developments have been funded through the South London LLN which have promoted vocational learner progression opportunities. Information, advice and guidance materials have provided greater transparency for both learners in colleges as well as those in the work place, and for adults wanting to further their employability skills through returning to learning.

Partnerships have been developed between Universities and Colleges, supporting the development and validation of new higher education programmes and progression routes for vocational learners. Over 3,000 learners have benefited from South London LLN sponsored activities, alongside training and information events for staff.

The South London LLN will continue to work as a membership network until July 2011. All current partners have been invited to become members, with support work being funded through membership subscription. This will allow the South London LLN to become more focused on the information and development needs of the network members.

Priorities for future working will include:

• Information dissemination from outside bodies to partners including Sector Skills Councils & Professional Bodies and Agencies.
• Maintenance of Progression Agreements/Pathways.
• Sharing information on new qualifications and policy developments.
• Identification of bid opportunities and ensuring partner awareness – some co-ordination, but not bid writing.
• Following up on information needs of partners as requested.
• Maintenance of information currency on website and promotion of website use for information exchange.
• Liaison and coordination of Sector Groups – Health, Social Care & Biomedical Science & Sport, Leisure & Tourism.
• Sharing information on new qualifications and policy developments
• Keeping abreast of new government policies and agendas linked to higher levels skills and employability.
• Maintaining links with London and other regional LLNs and disseminating information about projects and developments to the SL LLN membership.
• Working closely with Aimhigher and Widening Participation to promote progression to HE for vocational learners.
• Seeking commercial work or cost recovery opportunities for partners and LLN function – support additional resources and developments.
• Ensuring good relationships are fostered between partners and facilitating communications.
• Providing a platform for collaborative working in response to new initiatives.

   

Our aim is to work with our network colleges and universities to support

1. Progression and good quality Information, Advice & Guidance
2. Collaborative developments between HE and FE in response to skills gaps
3. Helping to identify CPD
4. Development of flexible and accessible provision – sharing information on successful models and developments through
5. HE and qualification updates and linked policy initiatives.
6. Facilitation of meetings and acting as a central hub for communications
7. Progression and widening participation
8. Seeking additional sources of funding

For further information about the sustainability plan for the South London LLN please contact Mandy Hobart : M.Hobart@kingston.ac.uk

 South London Lifelong Learning Network (LPE) Extension

A wide range of new developments have been funded through the South London LLN which have promoted vocational learner progression opportunities. Information, advice and guidance materials have provided greater transparency for both learners in colleges as well as those in the work place, and for adults wanting to further their employability skills through returning to learning.

Partnerships have been developed between Universities and Colleges, supporting the development and validation of new higher education programmes and progression routes for vocational learners. Over 3,000 learners have benefited from South London LLN sponsored activities, alongside training and information events for staff.

The South London LLN will continue to work as a membership network until July 2011. All current partners have been invited to become members, with support work being funded through membership subscription. This will allow the South London LLN to become more focused on the information and development needs of the network members.

Priorities for future working will include:

• Information dissemination from outside bodies to partners including Sector Skills Councils & Professional Bodies and Agencies.
• Maintenance of Progression Agreements/Pathways.
• Sharing information on new qualifications and policy developments.
• Identification of bid opportunities and ensuring partner awareness – some co-ordination, but not bid writing.
• Following up on information needs of partners as requested.
• Maintenance of information currency on website and promotion of website use for information exchange.
• Liaison and coordination of Sector Groups – Health, Social Care & Biomedical Science & Sport, Leisure & Tourism.
• Sharing information on new qualifications and policy developments.
•   Keeping abreast of new government policies and agendas linked to higher levels skills and employability.
• Maintaining links with London and other regional LLNs and disseminating information about projects and developments to the SL LLN membership.
• Working closely with Aimhigher and Widening Participation to promote progression to HE for vocational learners. 
• Seeking commercial work or cost recovery opportunities for partners and LLN function – support additional resources and developments.
• Ensuring good relationships are fostered between partners and facilitating communications.
• Providing a platform for collaborative working in response to new initiatives.

 Our aim is to work with our network colleges and universities to support

         i.            Progression and  good quality Information, Advice & Guidance

       ii.            Collaborative developments between HE and FE in response to skills gaps

      iii.            Helping to identify CPD

     iv.            Development of flexible and accessible provision – sharing information on successful models and developments through

       v.            HE and qualification updates and linked policy initiatives.

     vi.            Facilitation of meetings and acting as a central hub for communications

    vii.            Progression and widening participation

  viii.            Seeking additional sources of funding

 For further information about the sustainability plan for the South London LLN please contact Mandy Hobart : M.Hobart@kingston.ac.uk

 The South London Lifelong Learning Network Extension  Supporting progression and access to higher education in the South London region, through lifelong learning opportunities and flexible provision.

South London Lifelong Learning Network conference celebrates three years of achievements.

The South London Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) hosted their fourth annual conference at Kingston University on the 29^th January.  The programme focussed on celebrating the achievements of the South London LLN partnership over the past three years, as well as looking forward to continued partnerships and collaborations through their sustainability strategy.

The event attracted over 90 delegates from institutions including Further Education Colleges, South London universities, sector skills councils, public and private training providers, local authorities, community groups and businesses.

The conference was opened by Mandy Hobart, Director of the SL LLN and Dr Nick Sinnamon, Principal of Kingston College. Delegates were welcomed and partner institutions thanked for their engagement with the network over the past three years. With over 3,500 learners and more than 500 staff having been involved in activities ranging from new curriculum and qualifications developments to skills support and transition programmes, alongside information seminars and training events, Dr Sinnamon reflected on the messages from the South London LLN’s initial launch, and was pleased to report on the successful meeting of objectives.

The Keynote speakers covered a wide range of topics. Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, focused on employer engagement and lifelong learning, and the need to ensure that employers are fully involved in the design and development of the curriculum. David Smale, Director of Learner Services for the National Apprenticeship Service, updated the audience on the latest progression news for those undertaking Advanced Apprenticeships and developments around Higher Level Apprenticeships as a progression route in to Higher Education.

Maree Walker, Chief Executive, Open College Network London Region, shared information on the changes in the new Qualifications and Credit Framework, and the implications for flexible provision and credit based achievement. Neil Latham CBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Employer Engagement) at Kingston University covered the topic of employer engagement and the benefits of having synergy between HE and industry to meet the needs of employers and the economy.  

The student voice was reflected through two students currently studying for the Foundation Degree in Early Years joining Mike Hill, Director of Academic Development Centre, Kingston University to talk about some of their aspirations and experiences in relation to the learner journey. Film footage of students talking about their experiences of progression to higher education was also shown.

Delegates were also given the opportunity to find out more about some of the projects the South London LLN HEFCE funding had supported. Projects ranged from ‘Mentoring for Access Students’ through to ‘Historic Building Conservation: Making the transition from a craft’. 

The South London LLN conference highlighted not only the value of partnership working and sharing of good practice but also the need to sustain relationships and build on initiatives and collaborations to meet future challenges in the post compulsory education sector.

For further details of the South London LLN sustainability or copies of presentations, please contact: Mandy Hobart, Director, South London Lifelong Learning Network, M.Hobart@kingston.ac.uk

Celebrating Achievement – the South London Lifelong Learning Network Conference

The event is scheduled to be held on Friday 29^th January in the John Galsworthy Building on the Penrhyn Road campus of Kingston University. The event will commence with registration between 09.30 – 09.50 am and will finish with lunch at 1.30 pm. We are fortunate in having secured some excellent speakers who will talk on themes and developments that are impacting on all those concerned with vocational education and progression. The programme is attached below.

Programme

09.30 – 09.50 Registration and Refreshments

09.50 – 10.00 Welcome and SL LLN overview – Mandy Hobart, Director SL LLN London

10.00 – 10.10 Introduction to the conference celebrating achievements of the network.
Dr Nick Sinnamon, Principal, Kingston College

10.10 – 10.40 Key Note Speaker: Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor University of Lincoln. ‘Working with Employees, Employers and Lifelong Learning’. Questions.

10.40 – 11.00 ‘On the couch with Mike Hill ‘ Students talk about their experiences of progression
11.00 – 11.30 Key Note Speaker: Vic Grimes, Regional Director for Apprenticeships, London ‘Higher Level Apprenticeships and onwards progression from Level 3’. Questions
11.30 – 12.15 Coffee and ‘Carousel of Projects’
12.15 – 12.45 Key note Speaker: Maree Walker, CEO for OCN London Region. ‘New directions and opportunities for adult learner engagement and higher levels vocational progression’.
12.45 – 13.15 Key Note Speaker: Neil Latham, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Employer Engagement), Kingston University. ‘The need for higher education engagement with employers to support and sustain regional economic prosperity’. Questions
13.15 – 13.25 Closing remarks – Nick Sinnamon, Chair of the Conference
13.30 – 14.30 Lunch and networking

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