Linked Work and Training Trust offers an innovative programme - unique in the United Kingdom - of education and work-based learning with a community development focus.   This offers people the opportunity to work in a local community and at the same time to train to degree level in community learning and development.   The Bachelor of Community Learning and Development degree carries endorsement as a qualification in community learning and development and is awarded by the University of Glasgow.

The Students and Graduates    

Most of the students have community development experience of working in their own communities, either in paid employment or in a voluntary capacity.  Cohorts are small, typically around a dozen students.     The list illustrates the inter-agency and inter-disciplinary nature of the training environment, thereby the programme brings together people from a range of agencies striving to support communities.

An excellent track record in retention and success rates of students has been established. 

The Degree Programme
 

The University's role is to monitor the quality of the provision and the standard achieved by students through a Board of Management .

The Work-based Learning and Education Approach

The approach of delivering the degree as a work-based learning and education programme has particular strengths:

 

• the programme is primarily field-based.  Learning is guided around the work then student is employed to do so that the practical experience of doing community development work forms the basis of the education/training programme.

• central to each student's development is the way in which practical learning, critical reflection and theoretical understanding grow out of the experience of the student.

• the training provides the structure for analysis, reflection and academic input.

• learners are supported to link key perspectives in national policy context to their work and experience in the community.

• the training provided is in a supportive inter-disciplinary and inter-agency training environment,

• the programme provides sustainability in terms of the work experience, qualifications and access to a range of future employment opportunities.

Click here for the University of Glasgow website.