Employability at GCU: The Real WoRLD Project

Real WoRLD pilots:

In the academic session 2009-2010 Real WoRLD conducted five pilots to test the feasibility of the ‘principles of work-related learning’ in different subjects and contexts. The pilots involved four undergraduate modules and one postgraduate programme from three schools (Caledonian Business School, School of Law and Social Sciences, School of Engineering and  Computing).  The overall aim of the pilots was to identify and evaluate the perceived impact of integrated work-related learning activities on the students, staff and employers involved. The work-related learning tasks were embedded in the taught curriculum, formally assessed and accredited.

The findings reveal wide-spread agreement on the benefits of work-related learning:

• 89% of students reported that their learning on the pilots had improved their employability skills
• Work-related learning activities enhanced students’ independent learning skills
• Students reported increased confidence and improved awareness of real-life problems
• Academics saw evidence of deeper student engagement with the subject and welcomed the collaboration with employers to keep them up to date with developments in industry
• Employers value their work with students as a useful recruitment tool
• Employers and academics benefit from the knowledge transfer opportunity which collaboration on work-related learning provides.

The challenges involved in embedding work-related learning include:

• Increased anxiety from students who are not used to work-related learning
• A higher workload for academic staff
• Uneven distribution of work-related learning activities on programmes
• Lack of consensus on the value of work-related learning in programme teams.

A detailed report on the pilot studies is currently being compiled. It will be published here.

Real WoRLD pilots poster

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Real WoRLD Project email: realworld@gcal.ac.uk

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