(This Blog relates to TAEDEL402 Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace)
Apprenticeships and traineeships are designed with a mix of formal (external) training and work based learning.
It is important that, wherever possible, the work-based learning moves in step with the formal learning.
Formal learning is often classroom based. The learner is released from work to attend workshops where they are trained in groups. The formal learning provides the underpinning knowledge needed in order to perform work tasks effectively.
The packaging rules for a qualification may require a learner to undertake as many as 25 or more units of competency. They should be structured in the formal training to flow in a logical progression from “what the learner knows” to “what they don’t know”.
In effect, there are 3 key stakeholders responsible for implementing and monitoring a work-based learning pathway leading to a qualification. They are:
- The trainee
- The RTO
- The employer
If you are a trainer in an RTO, delivering the formal training segment of a learning program, it is essential that you liaise with the learner’s employer (usually the trainee’s supervisor or manager) and monitor the tasks the trainee is performing at work – relating these tasks to the schedule of the learning program.
The RTO trainer must also act in an advisory capacity to the employer, advising on job roles and tasks that will enable the trainee to consolidate the knowledge and skills that they have attained in formal training.
If you are the trainee’s manager or enterprise trainer, it is important to liaise with the RTO trainer. You need to plan the work tasks so that they focus on the required learning outcome. You also need to monitor the day to day progress of the learner, identifying any learning problems and liaising with the RTO trainer to address them.
We would like to hear about your experience with “Learning in the Workplace”.
If you have undertaken formal learning (external to the workplace) did this learning provide you with the skills and knowledge to perform your work tasks effectively? If you have been provided with learning in the workplace, describe what worked well or what could have been improved.
I have been fortunate enough to receive formal learning external to the workplace and learning in the workplace
What worked well, was when the learning and time needed to complete learning tasks, assessments and so on was included as part of work time, or study days were allocated to attend to learning needs. This enabled a healthy work life balance.
Other factors that led to learning both within and external to the workplace was financial support provided by the employer. By providing some or whole financial support gave myself, as the trainee, additional the motivation to complete the course.
Areas that could have been improved was formal learning relating to workplace practices and culture. Sometimes I felt there was a disconnect between theory and practice, in other words, much of the learning was solidified and re-learned in the actual work setting when applied in a more real context.
I have had a great environment to work and complete study in. Everyone in my office have been supportive and encouraging.
If I hadn’t had the extra pressure of completing the course, I doubt that I would now be nursing “Tennis Elbow” or Lateral Epicondylytis in both my elbows. Luckily, my work place has been great and I had a formal assessment done on my work area, it’s been documented and my work station now supports my study commitment 🙂
Sikiki, it’s also the fact that you have shown great commitment and a positive approach to your work.