Degree apprenticeships in England and the recognition of prior learning from work

Abstract

This paper focuses on Degree Apprenticeships in England. These programs provide development opportunities to learners in work. They uniquely integrate the development of knowledge, skills and behaviors required by a Standard for Occupational Competence across work and an undergraduate/postgraduate program. All degree apprenticeships have a core requirement for the recognition of prior learning (RPL) including learning gained through experience in the workplace, to shorten programs and fast track experienced apprentices. The accreditation of prior experience, also known in England as accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) has long been a marginal activity in Higher Education. This paper reports on a research study into the learners' experience of APEL resulting in the development of the RPL translation and transfer (RPLTT) model. It illustrates how this has been successfully applied in the case of a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.