NCI Courses

The work-based journal allows apprentices to submit evidence of their learning at work, and reflect on this learning. The benefit of the journal is that it enables a plethora of learning experiences at work to be captured and the apprentice to be given credit for. Not all of the experiences and activities that an apprentice engages in will be captured by the modules on the programme, consequently this encourages the apprentice to engage in extra-curricular activity and to gain credit for doing so. To facilitate this, apprentices will be expected to complete reflective entries, some of which will be directed, and others which will be for the apprentice to determine. The Workplace Mentor will have a role in confirming the accuracy of the entries, i.e. the claims made by the apprentice are valid. In addition, the Academic Supervisors will review their journal entries and give them continuous feedback. The last entry to the reflective journal will be a summative reflection which enables reflection over the course of the academic year. This presents an opportunity for the apprentice, and also their work-based mentor and academic supervisor, to acknowledge the growth in their development over a more substantial period. The summative reflection may involve the apprentice to deliver a presentation.

Learners will benefit from the support and guidance of a Workplace Mentor who will be resident at their place of employment. This will enable ease of access to learning opportunities and make support available from the Mentor. In addition, Learners will be assigned an Academic Supervisor who will be a source of support and guidance, and will also monitor the progress of the Learner toward the achievement of Learning Outcomes for the Module. An Introduction to the nature, value and concept of Continuing Professional Development will be delivered to learners during the WBL1 tutorials, together with an identification and explanation of documenting and reporting CPD planning, and also CPD reflection. Learners will understand what constitutes development, and the evidence that can be used to demonstrate their engagement with CPD. The Workplace Mentors will support the learner in identifying and recognising opportunities for CPD, together with making available suitable time allocations for the discussion of CPD with themselves. The Workplace Mentor will participate in the development of a CPD Plan at the start of semester 1 in collaboration with the apprentice. At the end of semester 1 an CPD Reflection will be completed, with the same occurring in semester 2. This process reflects the essence of continuous professional development. Continual monitoring of progress will be feature of Work-based Modules. The Academic Supervisor will monitor learner progress regularly in College, whilst the Work-based Mentor will formally monitor progress once a month, at a minimum.

Learners will be guided in the importance of their own personal brand, how this should be developed, together with effective strategies. Guidance on the use of social media to develop and enhance their own personal brand will be incorporated.

The module will also be used to support the development of academic skills which will be required for the programme, as well as being of advantage in the workplace. This will include: academic writing, referencing, and integrity; presentation skills; and reflective practice.