Research

Progress South Central both funded and undertook a range of research projects. These were seen as a way of providing foundations for the long-term impact of the work of the LLN.

LLN research at a national level

In 2011 the LLN National Forum published an eBook 'Research in the Lifelong Learning Networks', which contains two chapters contributed by Progress South Central. Read more

Research in Post-Compulsory Education, sponsored by the Further Education Research Association (FERA), is an international, fully-refereed journal, reporting on research in the increasingly important area of post-compulsory education.

The Editorial Board issued a Call for Papers for a Special Issue of the Journal focusing on Research and Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs) to which Progress South Central responded. Read more

LLN research publications and conference presentations

EXAMPLES OF OUR RESEARCH PROJECTS

Research into attitudes and aspirations to HE with apprentices employed by Oxford Brookes University
This project set out to gather information on the future aspirations of these apprentice learners, inform interviewees about higher education progression opportunities available to them and identify if there were any specific problems encountered by these learners with regard to progression to higher education.

What makes work experience work?
This project was led by Bracknell & Wokingham College on behalf of the Berkshire Skills for Care Group. Its aim was a clear understanding of the employer perspective of work experience in order to stimulate the offer of more placements for school/college students undertaking health and social care courses, to meet the anticipated increased demand for work experience for students undertaking courses in the sector, including Young Apprenticeships, BTEC Diplomas and the new Diploma in Society, Health and Development.

Current and potential progression routes in Construction and Built Environment provision
This study, by Dr Karen Gaston, Project Manager for Construction, examined non-traditional progression routes into HE for the sector, using as many sources of data as possible to illustrate possible learning pathways and progression routes from Level 1 through to Level 7. The report considers the progression opportunities available, the impacts of demographic change, the nature of provision and a review of gaps in provision, and considers the implications for long-term planning.

Investigation into IAG provided for year 11 students regarding their post-16 options
This study, carried out by the University of Reading Institute of Education, aimed to better understand year 11 students' attitudes towards the post 16 IAG they receive and their attitudes towards vocational education and training.

Higher Education for Slough and East Berkshire - reaching the right learners with the right provision
This research, led by Thames Valley University in association with the Slough Skills Campaign, aimed to identify gaps in HE provision for young people and adults in Slough through a study of the mismatch between the jobs available in Slough and the skills held by the town's adult population.

Advanced Apprentices: progression to higher education
Research conducted by Progress South Central with Advanced Apprentices studying at the LLN's partner colleges. The aim of the survey was explore the awareness and intentions of the Apprentices regarding higher levels of education.

An ethnographic study of vocational students in FE
This research, led by the University of Reading Institute of Education, looked into how students studying vocational courses in local FE colleges experience and perceive their training, and how they are being prepared for either studying at Higher Education or the workplace.