What is Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Higher Education?

An illustration of some stars and an employee to suggest work-based learning opportunities.

Work-based learning (WBL) is an educational approach that integrates classroom learning with practical work experience in a professional setting. It allows students to apply their academic knowledge and technical skills to real-world projects and problems, while developing essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Benefits of Work-Based Learning for Students

There are many benefits for students who undertake courses and modules that include work-based learning, such as:

Develop practical skills and gain real-world experience: WBL provides students with the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practice, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience in a professional environment. This can make them more attractive to employers upon graduation.
Enhance employability: WBL helps students develop a range of transferable skills that are highly sought-after by employers, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills can make them more competitive in the job market.
Increase motivation and engagement: WBL can help to increase student motivation and engagement by providing them with a more authentic and relevant learning experience. Students are more likely to be engaged in their studies when they can see how their learning applies to the real world.
Build professional networks: WBL can help students to build relationships with professionals in their chosen field. These networks can be invaluable for finding employment after graduation.

Types of Work-Based Learning

There are many different types of WBL, including:

Internships: Internships are temporary work placements that provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in a particular field.
Placements: Placements are similar to internships, but they are often longer in duration and may be linked to a specific module or course.
Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are structured training programmes that combine paid work with classroom learning. These are growing increasingly important in the UK as the government pushes the expansion of higher and degree apprenticeships.
Volunteering: Volunteering can also be a form of WBL, as it can provide students with valuable experience and skills.

How can Universities Get Involved in Work-Based Learning?

There are a number of ways that UK higher education institutions can get involved in WBL, including:

Developing partnerships with employers: This is essential for ensuring that WBL opportunities are relevant to the needs of employers and students.
Embedding WBL into the curriculum: WBL can be integrated into a variety of modules and courses.
Providing support for students: Universities can provide support to students on WBL placements, such as pre-placement training and mentoring.
Promoting WBL to students: Universities can promote WBL to students by highlighting the benefits of this type of learning.

Work-based learning is a valuable educational approach that can benefit both students and employers. If you are a UK higher education institution that is interested in getting involved in WBL, there are a number of resources available to help you get started.