Work based learning has received a lot of attention over the past years and is favoured by many practioners. The reason for this is that work based learning can support young people effectively. This is effective when several criteria are met. First of all support by the relevant community of practise is needed. Moreover the organisation of the work and learning processes can be crucial for the development of professional and organisational commitment. This includes the time resources for reflection on work experiences, in-company organisational conditions as well personnel support by colleagues and trainers within these practical phases.

On the basis fo excisting approaches, the research workshop will develop a set of quality criteria to analyse work based learning within in-company learning arrangements. Using exsisting case studies it will analyse thhe question of measuring the quality of work based learning in practical learning phases either as a work placement or in vocational apprenticeship. Most of the research was developed in regional context. These project activities developed an instrument for companies to self-evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality of in-company phases of VET. The QRC-Tool (quality, returns, costs) allows the companies to assess their costs and returns as well as the quality of the training they provide. It was tested and implemented in a representative regional study in the region of Bremen, more than a hundred companies (Heinemann, Rauner 2008, Rauner, Heinemann, Piening 2008). In this workshop the European relevance of such concepts will be discussed in order to stimutlate European dialogue.

Deitmer, L., Heinemann, L. ( 2009) Evaluation Approaches for Workplace Learning Partnerships in VET: How to Investigate the Learning Dimension? In: Marja-Leena Stenström & Päivi Tynjälä (Ed.) Towards Integration of Work and Learning. Strategies for Connectivity and Transformation, Doordrecht Springer International forthcoming Rauner, F.; Heinemann. L., Piening, D. Costs, Benefits and Quality of Apprenticeships – a Regional Case Study; Conference proceedings of the second international INAP conference (INAP Innovative Apprenticeship Research network), Vienna 2008, pp 170 – 175 Heinemann, L.; Rauner, F. (2008) Qualität und Rentabilität der beruflichen Bildung. Ergebnisse der QEK-Studie im Land Bremen. 2. Ausgabe. IBB 2010. Bremen. Deitmer, L., Heinemann, L. (2009). Innovation through evaluation and quality development of in-company training and workplace learning In: Second International Online Conference on “Innovation in Training Practice” 9-10 November 2009 http://www.trainersineurope.org Kämäräinen, P. (2006) Analysing the Prospects for Promoting Workplace Learning Partnerships in Europe. The European Synthesis Report of the Work & Learning Partners project. Bremen. http://www.workplace-learning-partners.org/reports/comparative_report Rauner, F. (2007): Competence development in vocational curricula and work situations. In: European Journal of Vocational Training – No 40 – 2007/1 – ISSN 1977-0219 Ruth, K., Deitmer, L. (2010) Role of TVET and Innovation In: Barry Mc Gaw, Eva Baker, Penelope Petersen (ED). International Encyclopaedia of Education, 3rd Edition. Oxford: Elsevier