A tailor-made approach to learning is a critical success factor in securing good outcomes for 16- to 17-year-olds studying at level 1, a report suggests.

Research conducted by the Learning and Work Institute on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) has culminated in a practical guide for providers and employers working with learners who are not yet ready to study at level 2.

Transition offer

The findings identify effective practice in order to support the successful implementation of the proposed transition offer for young people who are not yet ready to study at level 2 by the ages of 16 or 17.

The report provides policy recommendations for the wider sector to support the development of a transition model which will offer tailored and flexible support for learners. The guidance also offers advice on how to design and effectively deliver provision as well as best practice case studies.

Alison Morris, director of sector development at the ETF, said successful employer engagement activities can provide clear benefits not just for learners, but for employers and learning providers too.

She added: “This research provides the sector with an in-depth understanding of effective practice in employer engagement, as well as offering providers guidance on how to build a strategic approach which meets learners’ needs and interests, addresses employers’ motivations for engaging, and aligns with the provider’s wider priorities.”

Meeting the needs of learners and employers

Fiona Aldridge, assistant director of research and development at the Learning and Work Institute said: “With the increasing number of activities that employers are being asked to support in FE, effective employer engagement is becoming ever more important for the successful planning, delivery and evaluation of programmes.

“This report, guidance and set of case studies include advice for providers across the FE sector to successfully engage employers in each stage of their programmes, to provide practical and engaging activities for learners to gain a real insight to the world of work.

“We hope that these resources are useful for providers in planning their transition offer for young people studying below level 2, but also in engaging employers across their technical provision, ensuring it meets the needs of learners and employers alike.”

Key guidance for providers includes:

• Developing a strategic approach to engaging employers effectively in provision, and involving employers in the planning of engagement activities to secure buy-in and ensure activities are focused, realistic and maximise impact for both parties.
• Effective assessment and preparation of the learner, including the development of employability skills, and resilience and confidence building.
• Careful sequencing of activities, including short, focused encounters with employers before the full work experience period, and, in some cases, internal work experience first.
• Fully briefing employers on learners’ employability levels and support needs ahead of the engagement.