Apprentices benefit from lockdown distance learning
ECAtoday reports on the latest updates about the FESS apprenticeship standard, and how learners have adapted during the lockdowns…
In the 12 months since the coronavirus pandemic and multiple lockdowns began affecting the country, Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) training providers have been taking innovative approaches to minimise disruption to apprentices.
When the initial lockdown measures and widespread closures were announced back in March 2020, the Government said that furloughed apprentices could continue their training, so long as they did not provide services to, or generate revenue for, their employer.
We quickly transferred what was being taught in a classroom environment to something that could be delivered effectively online
With over 1,000 apprentices currently enrolled on the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Technician Apprenticeship Standard, training providers worked quickly on solutions to deliver their learning remotely, using a range of web-based teaching, conferencing and resource-sharing software.
Training academy meets the challenge
Banham Academy is an example of one provider who rapidly established an online learning programme for the apprentices it would normally teach in-house on a block release basis.
“We quickly transferred what was being taught in a classroom environment to something that could be delivered effectively online,” said Kevin Faulkner, Banham Academy’s Operations Director. “Using a mix of online platforms, we kept the calendar exactly the same so that whatever cohort was due to come into the Academy for the week was hosted online for the period. We had our tutors live on Teams teaching and setting tasks, then looking at the students’ work and quantifying how well they had done,” he said.
Each day the apprentices work through a full schedule and received comprehensive tutoring and support to ensure learning outcomes are still met. Workbooks and online drop-in feedback sessions are also available to assist the apprentices.
“We’re pleased that so far, the whole experience has been embraced by students,” Kevin added. “Some have even requested extra revision resources and are asking to complete online training over and above their planned schedule.”
students’ general wellbeing has also been high on the agenda
“In some instances, employers initially provided apprentices with laptops to aid their studies and some have given systems equipment, so practical skills could be maintained,” he said. This was demonstrated online by the apprentices to the tutors, so that feedback and training can still be provided by video link.
However, as time progressed, practical skills have inevitably been affected due to the majority of apprentices being furloughed, something that Banham looked to address after the summer break. “When we started the term again in September, we started the task of re-assessing all of the apprentices to see how many practical skills had not progressed,” explained Kevin. “Just as we got towards the end of that process and planned to start increasing practical skills again, we went into the second lockdown in November. So that’s been a challenge which has continued into the 2021 lockdown.”
Supporting apprentice wellbeing
In addition to their core learning, students’ general wellbeing has also been high on the agenda. With national studies showing the worsening emotional impact the pandemic is having on UK adults, Banham has taken steps to support this important area: “During lockdown we have been very aware of apprentices’ mental health, so we have two trained mental health first aiders to provide support when required,” said Kevin. “They have been very useful in identifying mental health issues and providing resources and signposting for further support, which has helped some apprentices.”
providers’ ability to adapt has delivered some encouraging outcomes
Elsewhere in the country another provider, Training 2000, was also quick to adapt to the new restrictions placed on the education network. “Using remote teaching we’ve been able to ensure all three apprentice year groups have not missed any learning time,” said Matt Jeans, Engineering Assessor. “We’ve used a range of methods such as online presentations, videos, quizzes and downloadable resources but still within a standard classroom schedule.”
“We’ve received positive feedback from students, and it’s allowed us to explore how in the longer term we might change the way we deliver some aspects of our training.”
The long-term view…
The FESS Employer Group is responsible for the FESS Apprenticeship Standard and has been monitoring how training providers have taken action to help apprentices during the pandemic.
“It’s clear that training providers’ ability to adapt has delivered some encouraging outcomes in what has been, and continues to be, an unprecedented time of concern for the industry,” said Pat Allen, chair of the FESS Employer Group.
“As we discover more best practice around how training providers are helping apprentices to stay on track, we can look at lessons to be learnt from remote working in this way and how it can benefit apprentices and employers in the future.”
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