What is work-based learning?
Work-based learning refers to the knowledge and understanding that you develop through experience.
Learning occurs over time as new knowledge and understanding updates and builds on a previous level of understanding. Learning occurs via research, identifying new knowledge, reflecting on the experience and drawing from the knowledge of others to increase your own understanding. In an educational context, this might involve formalised research activities.
Most employers also offer a range of sources of knowledge including experienced colleagues or specialists acting as mentors or coaches.
This doesn’t mean that learning only happens at work, but that the knowledge and understanding that you have developed are applied and challenged through work practice.
What types of evidence is suitable?
- An extended CV.
- An existing technical report written in the course of your work, based on, for example, an investigation, design study or a feasibility report, which might include individual research and study into engineering and/or technology techniques.
- A portfolio relating to one or two projects, together with a linking commentary, e.g, a collection of data or records, which would need to be tied together by an aim, an outcome and a rationale.
- A copy of a technical presentation that you have given, which enables you to provide the best examples of your technical learning.
We will contact you if this type of evidence is required when you apply for professional registration.
How is work-based learning assessed?
Your evidence will be assessed in the context of your overall application.
If you have:
- demonstrated to assessors that you've had the opportunity to develop and exercise the required knowledge and understanding, you may be able to proceed directly to the professional review interview. The interviewers may ask about specific competence in more detail.
- made a reasonable case, but there are still questions about your technical knowledge and understanding, then you may be invited to attend a technical interview based on the additional material you have provided. This interview will be carried out separately to your professional review interview.
If you are asked to attend a technical interview, you'll need to show the technical interviewers that you've gained the appropriate level of underpinning knowledge and understanding before you can be successful at a professional review interview.
You can download the 'Assessment of Work-based Learning: criteria and interpretation - candidate guidance' document below: