Raising retention and achievement in work‐based learning

Work based learning has been subject to some negative press in recent times. Particular emphasis has been given to poor inspection reports within the sector. The Raising Quality and Achievement programme of the Learning and Skills Development Agency, funded by the Learning and Skills Council as part of a grant for a programme of research and development, provides a raft of support to help work‐based learning providers respond to such challenges. The RQA Development Projects are one such approach. All projects are action research and explore interventions and changes to current practice as a means of improving retention and achievement in work‐based learning. A total of 78 projects were funded for 2002‐2003. This article presents a number of projects, that are particularly innovative, as examples of how providers are looking to improve retention and/or achievement.