Work-based learning: Golden Goose or Trojan Horse for the university sector?

摘要

Work-based learning (WBL) is not a new idea. Traditionally, the workplace was where adult learning occurred, with membership of both trade guilds and professional organizations achieved only after a lengthy apprenticeship period. However in the latter part of the twentieth century, not only preparation for employment, but also continuing professional development rapidly transferred to the academic sector. One reason for this was the increasing importance of validated qualifications over simple career track records. Employees competing for promotion or seeking to move to new organizations required the recognized certification of competence that only the higher education sector could provide.