Apprentice perceptions of work based learning: Preliminary observations

Abstract

The degree apprenticeships programme involves a tripartite agreement involving the student apprentice, employer and the university. The programme introduced few years ago in the UK, which now caters to a significant number of apprentices in built environment related degree programmes. Although the Degree Apprenticeships involve a significant component of work based learning, limited evidence exist to justify Chartered Surveying Degree Apprenticeships Standard as a successful work based learning facilitator, mainly due to the scarcity of research. The findings of this paper are based on an ongoing research project, therefore is limited to evaluating Degree Apprenticeships apprentice perception of work based learning. Research method comprised of a literature review and the inspection of the guidance documents related to the delivery of the Degree Apprenticeships programme, followed by seven semi-structured interviews with selected degree apprentices. Qualitative data analysis paved the way for identification of several success areas and the aspects that require further improvement. Lack of shared understanding among the three parties and the absence of explicit evidence of implementation of work based learning were noteworthy, and suggestions for improvement are proposed. Further research involving a wider sample of apprentices and employers suggested.