2.3.4 Work-based Learning (WBL)
Work-Based Learning, or WBL, encompasses a broad range of activities and activity types. However, it is accepted that each has a similar goal that centres on the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences through action-based or reflective learning in a vocational or occupational context.
Terms might differ (for example, workplace learning, practice-based learning, work-centred learning) yet, in this context, we consider all such learning activities under the single heading of work-based learning.
From a strategic perspective, the provision of high-quality Work-Based Learning lies at the heart of current education and training policy, with education-industry collaboration regularly prioritised (at national and European levels) and Work-Based Learning increasingly recognised as a means of ensuring that learners of all ages are provided with the knowledge, skills and competences required by a future labour market.
In terms of delivery, WBL can take place onsite, in a company or organisation, or within a more traditional learning environment such as a classroom or training centre, the latter targeting learning that is vocationally or occupationally relevant and which centres on meeting the needs or expectations of a particular industry or profession.
To ensure successful delivery, WBL involves a wide variety of actors, ranging from those employed in more traditional learning environments such as schools, colleges, universities and training centres (teachers; trainers; tutors; classroom assistants) to managers and others in the workplace (Human Resources personnel; individual staff taking the role of mentors or advisors).
In addition to WBL in general it is important for EBBD to foster entrepreneurship in this context. The European Commission has developed EntreComp: the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework as a reference framework to explain what is meant by an entrepreneurial mindset. EntreComp offers a comprehensive description of the knowledge, skills and attitudes.
The following general descriptions of the different types of WBL shall give EBBD colleges a variety of options to choose from in order to promote WBL further. For each option we highlight the competences of the EntreComp that could be particularly fostered with this form of WBL.
In order to be accredited, each college has to give proof that they provide one WBL experience as on-the-job training and one WBL experience as a school-based programme.
Forms of WBL that are applicable for EBBD in detail (based on the Work-based Learning in Europe – Practices and Policy Pointers ):
1. On-the-job training periods in companies (internships, work placements, traineeships) that are incorporated as a compulsory (see work placement abroad) or optional element of VET programmes leading to formal qualifications, e.g. work-practice or work-experience respectively voluntary work or voluntary activity in a workplace or work environment
2. WBL that is integrated into a school-based programme, through on-site labs, workshops, kitchens, restaurants, junior or practice firms, simulations or real business/industry project assignments. The aim is to create “real life” work environments, establish contacts and /or cooperation with real companies or clients, and develop entrepreneurship competences.e.g. via Learning Office, Junior or Practice Firms, Simulations, Business/Industry Project Assignments, Other (Besides these forms of WBL others are possible, such as structured company visits, ERP Software training courses, E-Commerce projects like setting up a webshop etc.)
