Swiss South African Cooperation Initiative LECTURER WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE (LWE) PROJECT

Transcription

1 Swiss South African Cooperation Initiative LECTURER WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE (LWE) PROJECT

2 PRESENTATION CONTENTS 1. Background and context 2. The SSACI LWE project 3. The SSACI model dldeveloped dfor the pilot 4. Findings 5. Next steps

3 1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT What is LWE? Workplace exposure / experience through visits to, placement in and/or training in workplaces Forms part of lecturer professional continuous development It is both remedial and supplementary

4 Why LWE? Lecturers are central to the education activity in institutions that t offer TVET. Sufficient, i appropriately qualified and competent lecturers, who understand and have expertise in both the academic and work-related dimensions of TVET is required, if TVET institutions want make the critical contribution expected of them. (Policy on Professional Qualifications for Lecturers in TVET June 2013) LWE enables lecturers to remain current with developments in industry Internationally it is part of TVET lecturer training and professional development Most lecturers in SA colleges either have no workplace experience or their experience is out of date

5 Policy Framework Policy on professional qualifications for lecturers in TVET Includes WIL as part of qualification Includes application in a teaching site and a workplace National Skills Accord Accord 1 of New Growth Path commitment places for college lecturers for work exposure by % of the target t should have been achieved. Currently over lecturing staff in the system. Green paper on Post school Education aspect of lecturer Green paper on Post school Education - aspect of lecturer development requiring urgent attention is keeping college lecturing staff in touch with workplace environments. Towards this end the DHET and the SETAs will encourage and assist colleges to establish partnerships and linkages with employers to ensure that all lecturing staff are given adequate and on going workplace experience.

6 2. THE SSACI LWE PROJECT Purpose of LWE project To develop an approach for providing LWE that meets the needs of different lecturers takesaccount account ofcollege context, needs and requirements takes account of employer context, needs and requirements locates LWE in continuing professional development system accommodates DHET requirements Capacitate colleges to provide LWE

7 Project plan Conduct research with4 research colleges and develop a LWE approach Pilot LWE approach with the 4 research and 6 pilot colleges Review pilot Develop materials Implement nationally

8 Research issues 1. Exploring notion of LWE 2. Profile of lecturers in target programmes 3. LWE needs of lecturers in target programmes 4. College context for providing LWE: lecturer employment issues, current policy and practice, possible approach, and implementation ti issues, concerns and requirements 5. Employer context for providing LWE: current situation, possible approach and implementationissues issues, concerns and requirements 6. Integrating LWE: how to ensure LWE is integrated into g g g teaching (theory and practice), the curriculum and the college system

9 3. THE SSACI LWE MODEL PURPOSE: To stay abreast of / up to date / current with technology, work processes, careers, and developments and changes in industry For in experienced General workplace and career level exposure In specific areas in which teach = see others doing and, where possible, practically engage (at own level of skill) Ifhaveprior experience Visit/exposure to see what an employer does and what has changed since last in industry / l h f Exposure to/practical experience with specific technology, work process, systems related to field/subject teaching

10 PRINCIPLES Part of conditions of employment Must be of value and have an academic purpose Tied to subject being taught (curriculum) Based on a specific lecturer need (to see or do something) Driven by lecturer (willingness and perceived value) and supported by college Not a once off event ; an on going process throughout academic year Does not compromise academic delivery

11 WHAT TO LEARN AND HOW (content, activities and process) How? has a research focus (investigation / finding out) Project / activity / event based Learn through: walk through / excursion; attending employer induction; meetings; observation and jobshadowing; and practical engagement (in specific activities at own level of skills) Each lecturer needs an individual LWE personal development plan Possibly directed through a logbook system Initial meeting with employer to explore options and plan for future reengagementengagement Follow up visits to an employer based on earlier meetings and engagements

12 What? NATURE OF WORK GRADUATES WOULD DO What are the different kinds of jobs and careers (entry level) college graduates could actually go into What are needs and expectations do employers have of employees in different jobs What pressures that come with different jobs APPLICATION IN INDUSTRY How is your subject applied in different industry environments How do things you teach actually work in a company, e.g. financial month-end procedures, health and safety procedures, booking a tour, etc. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLLEGE CURRICULUM AND INDUSTRY What are the differences between what is taught at college and what actually happens in industry

13 HOW THINGS WORK IN INDUSTRY Structure of a workplace in terms of departments and how these link Function of a specific department related to area of teaching Work cycles and work processes used to complete tasks, jobs, projects or the work of the workplace as a whole Technology and software used to complete particular tasks or jobs How people in a workplace work together on particular tasks or jobs What health and safety procedures are followed Industry standards and practices followed and how these are applied to the completion of particular tasks or jobs Key changes and developments that have taken / are taking place DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMPLOYERS IN THE SAME INDUSTRY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMPLOYERS IN THE SAME INDUSTRY What are the main differences between employers you have engaged with and what is the reason for these differences

14 HOW PROVIDE IN COLLEGE SYSTEM Part of employment contract and COE Linked to performance appraisal In college operational plan and timetable Managed as part of college structure and system clear roles and responsibilities Role of HR and Academic Role of partnership s unit and placement office Role of Lecturers Tie LWE to student WBE From a management point of view (managing and monitoring student WBE) From a lecturer LWE point of view (exposed to workplaces students visiting ; assists with integration)

15 ENGAGING WITH EMPLOYERS Benefits of LWE: mustbe a win win winsituation Compliance: safety and confidentiality Support employers implementin in the workplace Exposure and training opportunities through industry training centres and in house programmes LWE opportunities in employer core and support function areas Formaliserequest request to employer for LWE Colleges must orientate lecturers for the workplace

16 IMPLEMENTATION The LWE Cycle PHASE 1: Planning PHASE 2: Preparation The LWE Cycle PHASE 4: Post- LWE engagement PHASE 3: LWE engagement

17 1. Model Two broad purposes of LWE Exposure / enrichment Training / up dating skills Principles 4. FINDINGS Lecturers need to be clear about why they are doing LWE Get match between lecturers and employers right How provide in the college system Must be part of strategic plan, set targets, start planning early Central person to coordinate across college Implement through HoDs/programme heads HR plays a support and reporting role When is a good time? Value in linking LWE to student WBE

18 Engaging with employers Employer recruitment and partnership development needs a substantial focus Subject specialists need to be involved in briefing employers Curriculum integration Facilitated by strong link between subject and exposure received ed 2. LWE is different for categories of lecturers Engineering (theory and practical), Business, Utilities, Fundamentals Capacity of lecturer is based on prior skills and experience

19 3. Benefits for lecturers Better understood how curriculum links to/ not to industry and which aspects to emphasise in teaching Gave ideas on how to teach aspects of subject More confident Lecturer knowledge enhanced by exposure and application 4. Benefits for employers Can learn from lecturers and benefit from lecturers working

20 Issues college system issues college system issues management, planning, coordination, timetabling College industry partnerships colleges lack the confidence to broker relationships, take initial relationships further Lecturers willingness to drive their own personal development Broader context blind support for LWE ( funding) without clear idea of value/quality

21 5. NEXT STEPS Complete the review with all colleges and employers Develop implementation materials Colleges Employers Lecturers Implement nationally in partnership with ETDP SETA