New Blended Learning Essentials course aims to bring apprenticeships into the digital age

Ufi, in partnership with UCL, the University of Leeds and the Association for Learning Technology (ALT), has launched a new online course for apprenticeship providers looking to enhance their courses with digital technology for the modern workplace. The course is part of its popular Blended Learning Essentials (BLE) series, which is hosted on FutureLearn, the UK’s leading provider of open courses.

The Digitally-Enriched Apprenticeships course, which launched on the 4th of June, will show participants how digital technology can enrich their apprentices’ experience and open up opportunities for their organisation.

Training providers will also learn how to weave digital resources into the whole apprentice journey and develop their own digitally-enriched apprenticeship programme.

Diana Laurillard, Professor of Learning with Digital Technology at UCL Knowledge Lab, who was involved in developing the BLE programme, said: “The world of work and apprenticeships is changing. Employers are increasingly eager to recruit staff who are comfortable in the new digital era. So teachers and training providers must prepare apprentices for that. Digital is there to help, if you know how to harness it. We’ve designed this course to make it easier for you to do that.”

Funded by Ufi and developed in partnership with ALT, the University of Leeds, and UCL, the BLE courses support the professional development of those working in vocational training, helping them make better use of blended learning. The program has already reached over 40,000 teachers and trainers to date.

Rebecca Garrod-Waters, Chief Executive of Ufi Charitable Trust, said: “Unfortunately, we’ve seen a significant drop in the number of young people starting apprenticeships since the start of the academic year. In order to better engage with young people and provide them with the skills employers need, there needs be a greater focus on integrating vocational technology into learning. We are proud to be supporting the BLE programme and helping teachers and trainers gain the skills and confidence they need to make better use of digital tech.”

The Digitally-Enriched Apprenticeships course is free and open to everyone, but is particularly aimed at those working in further education, skills training, vocational education, workplace learning, and lifelong learning or adult education.

Maren Deepwell, Chief Executive of ALT said: “The advances we have seen in technology over the past few years are having a massive impact on the way we teach. Throughout the UK, there are already training providers and companies experimenting with digital methods. The BLE course gives you a window into how they’re using these to engage with apprentices, and motivate them throughout their apprenticeships.”

For more information on BLE, Digitally-Enriched Apprenticeships or any of the other courses, click here.