Work Based Learning (WBL)
Higher Education 4.0 has been to the forefront in developing new Work Based Learning (WBL) projects, enhancing the accessibility of Higher Education for all types of learners. The programmes are based on industry need.
WBL Applied Industrial Science
Two new workplace-based learning programmes – level 7 and level 8 – have been developed in Applied Industrial Science. The new and innovative Level 7 BSc Applied Industrial Science and Level 8 BSc Honours Applied Industrial Science are intensive workplace-based programmes. They offer a new mode of study, blending work-based learning with online academic study. These programmes allow learners to combine online study of industry related academic modules with the completion of a workplace-based learning – anchored in the workplace.
This provides a robust, efficient and cost-effective means of study towards a level 7 or level 8 qualification from the student’s place of employment. These programmes are designed to enhance personal subject-based and transversal skills to enhance graduate employability and advancement.
WBL Strength and Conditioning
A new degree programme from ATU in Applied Strength & Conditioning. It has been designed to suit mature learners who would like to return to education and achieve a qualification in sport but cannot attend a full-time course. The course provides learners with a scientific grounding in strength and conditioning application.
Key areas of study include physiology, resistance training, psychology and nutrition with a focus on practical application of strength and conditioning. The programme allows for exit awards in year one (Certificate in Personal Training – REP’s Ireland accredited) and year two (Higher Certificate in Strength and Conditioning).
Some of the key features of the course include:
- Part-time – course will be completed in 3.5 years
- REPS accredited
- All modules have been aligned with the National Strength and Condition Association (NSCA)
- Designed in collaboration with industry
- Personal and supportive approach to teaching and learning
- Year 3 includes work placement in an industry specific environment
- Year 4 includes Weightlifting Ireland level 1 Certification and research project
The programme is most suited to individuals with an interest in the application of strength and conditioning to any level of sport participation, either recreational or elite. It would benefit individuals who are currently working in or interested in working in the health, well-being and fitness sector.
The programme would suit anyone interested in obtaining a meaningful qualification and employment as a personal trainer or those currently employed as a personal trainer seeking to upskill and become a strength and conditioning coach.
WBL Degree Furniture Design
Students on the ATU B.Sc. in Furniture Making and Architectural Woodworking and B.Sc. in Furniture Design and Manufacture undertook – for the first time – a year-long work placement as part of their qualification in the final quarter of 2022
Over 30 companies in Ireland and abroad welcomed students from the BA in Furniture Design and Manufacturing on to their teams as learners embarked on their year-long work placement.
This rich collaboration between industry and education allowed students to link theory to practice while the company benefited from an enthusiastic student who brought the latest knowledge, and state-of-the-art training to their workplace, particularly their skills in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software packages.
“We have a number of graduates from ATU Connemara that we rate extremely highly, who bring significant skills and creativity to our team”
– Gerry Magee, Managing Director of Allwood Architectural Joinery
As part of the programme each student is assigned a mentor within their placement company; the mentor helps the student to achieve specific competencies and tasks related to the learning outcomes of their degree.
This method of mentoring is a valuable way of sharing best practice and experience with the student and is a cornerstone of the success of the placements particularly as, for many of the students, this will be their first time working in a commercial workshop environment.
In addition to mentoring, the on-the-job training that the students receive is blended with the academic requirements of the course via a digital workbook that the students are required to maintain while on placement.
This workbook, which is hosted on the PebblePad Learning Platform, provides a structure for students to reflect on the diverse learning experiences while on industry placement. This also helps students make sense of their workplace environment, relate theory to practice and recognise both their personal and professional development.
The companies involved in the placements play a vital role in the students’ development and their investment in the student through knowledge transfer, guidance and feedback, ensures that ATU students graduate with an understanding and focus on how they can progress their careers.
The yearlong work placement is part funded by the Higher Education 4.0 Project, which is funded by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) under Pillar 3.
WBL Degree Hospitality Management
(Impending)
This Work-Based-Learning Hospitality Management honours degree programme provides learners already working within the hospitality industry with advanced knowledge, skills and abilities required to grow their career within the wider tourism and hospitality sector; and contribute to the industry’s evolving needs through enhanced professionalism.
The concept of Work-Based-Learning (WBL) provides people in tourism and hospitality employment with higher education access bespoke to their industry’s needs. This honours degree has been created within the Higher Education 4.0 framework, collaborating closely with industry on course design, delivering an agile and innovative Hospitality Management learning experience.
The flow of the programme empowers participants to gain practical skills across multiple departmental disciplines, equipping them with flexibility within the workplace. Participants will acquire the skillset needed in the workplace for both now and into the future.
As the programme progresses, the participant will gain a holistic understanding of the business model within which they operate, supporting their ability to progress into more senior / management roles within an organisation.
The programme is designed by theme with the course flow reflective of the career journey the learner will take, with an emphasis on Operations, Business Processes and Strategy.
A central component is the incorporation of Work-Based-Learning (WBL) projects bespoke to the learner’s workplace, which utilises the workplace as a legitimate and immersive learning environment.
Under development.
WBL Laboratory Sciences
Under development.
