Workshops

Session 1

1. Making the most of naturally occurring opportunities to develop learners’ skills

Steve Bell, HMI, Estyn
This workshop will explore how work-based learning practitioners can identify opportunities for apprentices and trainees to learn, practise and develop their skills through their work-based programmes. Drawing on evidence from inspections, it will highlight good practice as well as a few things to avoid. Participants will have an opportunity to reflect on their experience and plan work with their own learners.

2. Developing employability for the digital age

Dr. Esther Barrett, Subject Specialist (Teaching, Learning and Assessment) Jisc
How can we support our learners and apprentices to develop their employability skills?

In this workshop we will identify the key employability attributes of a modern trainee, and explore ways to embed digital skills and experience into their learning journey.’

3. Assessment challenges in VQ delivery

Cassy Taylor, Associate Director (Vocational Qualifications), Qualifications Wales
Qualifications Wales has now conducted two sector reviews and are actively working on our third in ICT. Issues regarding assessment have arisen through both completed sector reviews. This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to explore assessment and to reflect upon the issues raised.

4. Up Close and Interpersonal

Julie Crossman, Mentor/Lecturer, Wales Institute for Work-based Learning, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
A workshop introducing a range of coaching tools and techniques to enable work-based learning practitioners to overcome some of the difficulties around supporting higher level apprentices.

5. Mental health in the workplace: reducing stigma and discrimination

Jules Twells, Engagement Manager, Time to Change Wales
Mental health in the workplace: reducing stigma and discrimination. This workshop will provide delegates with an overview of the Time to Change Wales (TTCW) campaign which works in partnership with employers to support them to end stigma and discrimination within their own organisations. TTCW has also recently launched a social marketing campaign #WeCanWeWill for young people to empower them to join the campaign and change attitudes and perceptions towards mental health for the next generation.

6. Embedding Welsh language & culture

Helen Humphreys, Professional Development Mentor, Sgiliaith
The Sgiliaith workshop will offer support to assessors to enhance their use of the Welsh language with learners in the workplace. Assessors will be provided with the opportunity to receive available information and resources. It is an opportunity to discuss Estyn requirements and ways to plan a comprehensive assessment plan for the bilingual learner.

Session 2

7. Prevent perspectives: safe spaces – shaping conversations

Barrie Phillips, HE/FE Prevent Coordinator Wales, DfE UK Government & Dr Abdul Azim Ahmed, Assistant Secretary-General, Muslim Council of Wales
The workshop will provide a refreshed opportunity to consider the Prevent agenda from the perspective of students and staff within education:

Why Prevent?
What does Prevent have to do with the education sector?
What are we protecting against?
Does freedom of speech have limits?
And what is the importance of safe spaces, challenge, debate and critical thinking?

Prevent is also often criticised for disproportionately focusing on Muslim students. This workshop will consider some of these criticisms and explore the impact of Prevent policies on Muslim students. It will also focus on positive ways of engaging with Muslim Students in order to best serve their needs.

8. Quality matters – Workshop Full

Donna Hughes, Qualifications Manager, Qualifications Wales
An interactive workshop aimed at quality assurance staff who work with competency based qualifications. This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to explore their role, reflect upon current practice and consider opportunities for future improvement.

9. Integrating critical thinking into an employability skills framework

Fiona Argent, Centre for Work-based Learning Manager, Cardiff Metropolitan University
To develop pedagogical and curriculum based practices to embed and integrate critical thinking skills into a vocational education framework.

10. The value of qualifications in the development of 21st century skills

John McNamara, Chief Executive, Federation of Awarding Bodies
The session will examine the value of vocational qualifications from the perspective of their economic impact, as well as the powerful contribution they make to individual careers, life choices, and social mobility.

Another key theme will be the contribution qualifications can make to developing a skilled workforce fit for 21st Century challenges and opportunities.

11. Fitness to Practise: Using Social Media as a Professional

Elizabeth Brimble, Deputy Chief Executive, Education Workforce Council
As a professional educator in the modern world, social media is proving more difficult to navigate safely. In this session we will outline what social media is, the risks of social media in the workplace, and at home for professionals working with young people. Showing case examples of past misuses of social media, we help to equip you so that you may use social media in the safest and most beneficial way for the future.

12. WBL’s Got Talent – How to get involved in Skills Competitions

Rachel Arnold, Inspiring Skills Excellence Champion – Media & Creative, Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales
The Welsh Government is keen to encourage greater participation in national and international competitions to raise skill levels across Wales. This workshop will be an opportunity to find out more about how to get involved in skills competitions, including exploring competition briefs, the level of commitment required, and the benefits to learners, staff and employers from taking part.

These workshops are subject to change