IfL Vocational Masterclass Programme

Applying world class learning to further education through competition

The Institute for Learning has been engaged by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to work with trainers and coaches from the UK WorldSkills team, to offer a limited number of masterclasses to colleges and work-based learning providers.

The UK WorldSkills team has been increasingly successful in preparing competitors from many vocational areas to win medals in the international World Skills competitions. At WorldSkills London in 2011, they won five gold, two silver and seven bronze medals and the UK came fifth in the international ranking.

Now, supported by IfL, the UK WorldSkills team are keen to work with colleagues in the further education sector to explore what can be learned from WorldSkills competition techniques (technical skills and personal coaching) to help all learners to benefit, whatever their vocational area or current skill level.

Importantly, also, WorldSkills trainers and coaches often work as teachers and trainers in the further education and skills sector, in addition to their responsibilities for training competitors to the highest levels. They understand both worlds.

There are great benefits to the sector from this initiative. Specifically, organisations which have taken part in WorldSkills competitions have demonstrated the positive impact they can make on teaching, training and learning, leading to evidence of improved student retention, staff motivation and higher inspection grades.

Find out more about hosting a Masterclass in your organisation