Work-based (and placement) learning provides unique opportunities for students to learn experientially;
to learn by doing. Work-based learning (WBL) also helps prepare students for their future beyond university by enhancing their understanding of work, developing skills and attitudes that make them more employable, and helping them establish their own employment-related contacts. WBL is an important feature of the University of Plymouth’s provision, to which the Experiential Learning CETL has made a significant contribution, both strategically and at programme level. Key initiatives and achievements have included:-

• An assessment of the institutional risks associated with work-based and placement learning, leading to the production of a comprehensive Handbook for the Management and Delivery of Work Based and Placement Learning , core documents and induction programmes for students and staff

• Devlopment of and support for the University's key WBL groups: the WBL Managers Group; and the Placements and Work Experience Group

• Active support for the work of the Placements Database Working Group, investigating cross-faculty systems to support the effective delivery and evaluation of work-based and placement learning

• Piloting of a Placement Support Network for placement students employed within the University of Plymouth

• Co-ordination of the University of Plymouth’s annual Work-Based Learning Conference, 2005 - 2010

• Co-production of the May 2007 edition of Ethos, the University's learning and teaching journal Beyond the Campus.. Placements, Work Experience and Work Based Learning

• More than doubling the number of opportunities for work-based and placement learning, and the student uptake, within environmental and natural sciences. This meant that the CETL comfortably exceeded its initial targets.