Learning what works - learning at work in Sussex

Seven Sussex conferences in two days

Summaries, materials and photos from each of the conferences are now available.

The second annual conference of the Sussex Learning Network had something for everyone with an interest in vocational learning. It was open to learners, employers and practitioners. It was entirely free as part of our commitment to providing opportunities for all to share good practice and shape the future of the SLN and its activities.

Summaries of day 1 - Learning what works in Sussex (20 June)

Day one explored "what works in Sussex". On offer was an innovative menu of six separate conferences at different locations in or near Brighton. Each one focused on a particular area of the curriculum:

• Creative Arts and New Media
  (Making it in the creative industries)
• Biosciences
  (The Foundation Degree in Biosciences: a flexible approach to learning)
• Community Practice
  (Building communities)
• Health and Social Care
  (Supporting vocational learning in social care)
• Travel, Tourism, Retail and Hospitality
  (Developing, supporting, informing)
• Sport and Leisure
  (Creating the workforce legacy)

Summary of day 2 - Learning at work in Sussex (21 June)

On day two attention turned to "learning at work in Sussex". This conference took as its starting point the Leitch Report. In his report, Lord Leitch argues that people should have more opportunities to develop their careers in the workplace. These opportunities should extend from apprenticeships, to degrees and programmes for those leading and managing organisations. Yet how much do we know about work based or related learning? What do employers, learners and those offering advice make of the provision?