Academic support
There are many people in the University who can help you, as highlighted in your induction. Don’t worry if you have forgotten how to access the right support – it is important to ask for help and check you are being referred to the right person who is best placed to help you. The following diagram summarises the support network available to you.
Academic Adviser
Every learner is entitled to meet with their Academic Adviser at least once per year of study.
If your query is specific to the module or assessment of knowledge, skill (or behaviours) you will need to speak to the Module Leader, or email them for help. Always check for FAQs or support webinars on the Blackboard virtual learning tool.
If your query is about progress through the Apprenticeship Standard towards the End Point Assessment and the evidence in your E-portfolio then probably start with your Work-based Learning Coach (or maybe the Module Leader for a reflective practice/portfolio module).
If the support or question is related to general academic progress or skills development, such as literacy, numeracy or digital skills, the Academic Adviser may be the best person to help you and direct you towards further resources, support, exercises, or just advice on what to try next to improve your grades and management of assessed tasks and deadlines.
Watch this video explaining the role of your Academic Adviser.
You can read more about expectations in your Student Charter
Other areas where we might benefit from a conversation about support include
Attendance
Apprentices need to attend all the lessons on their apprenticeship course and provide reason for any absence. You are in paid employment so we take any absence (or lateness) seriously and we are obliged to support you through difficulty in liaison with your employer. Always speak to your Module Leader about how to get the resources and support to catch up and to stay on track to hit your individual targets for each module and area of development.
Assessment extensions
If you find yourself having to cope with difficult circumstances talk to the Module Tutor and your Departmental Student Support about the possibility of getting an extension to the deadline, or even deferring the assignment. In more extreme situations, your Work-based Learning Coach can talk to you and your employer about a break in study. Make sure you keep hold of any evidence of the challenges as they arise, including any medical advice, insurance information etc.
Plagiarism
There are various reasons a learner might make the mistake of copying work, sharing work, or using publicly available sources in the wrong way, i.e. presenting the material as if it were their own work (check you use referencing at all times!).
It is worth remembering that the University Work-based Learning Coach meets with the Course Leader each month and therefore will inevitably discuss any situation with your workplace mentor. The University can advise your workplace as to the implications and outcomes from a university perspective, but the consequences in your place of employment will depend on their policies on ethics, professional practice and their tolerance of any breach in their trust.
View more information on academic misconduct.
Help hitting your targets
Throughout your apprenticeship your Work-based Learning Coach, Module Leaders, Academic Adviser and Mentor in the workplace will all help set SMART targets, monitor progress and review your action plans for further development. Your Work-based Learning Coach will be the main support for this. Examples of targets might include
- progress on the knowledge skills and behaviours in your Apprenticeship Standard
- English and literacy skills
- maths and numeracy skills
- functional skills and digital fluency
- time management
- team working skills, including inclusive practice
- reaching higher
Your targets might relate to getting more support, for example visit our Skills Centre