University of Derby delivers pioneering work-based learning to Chinese visitors

A group of teachers and senior managers from China have been welcomed by the University of Derby to take part in a summer training programme to support work-based learning for apprentices and trainees in transportation and logistics.

The visitors, all from the Hunan Vocational College of Modern Logistics, arrived at the University on Tuesday, July 21 and will leave Derby on Sunday, August 9 2015.

Professor Rod Dubrow-Marshall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, gave an introductory speech to the Principal and Deputy from Hunan Vocational College, together with 22 other colleagues.

The programme aims to provide professional and practical learning for teachers and develop skills to support and mentor apprentices in the classroom and workplace.

Looking at the theory of work-based learning, as well as visiting regional businesses to gain insight into how they could deliver this in China, the group will receive best practice insight and advice, enabling them to become the pioneer for this programme in their market.

Visitors from Hunan Vocational college

Professor Ming Lim, Head of the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement at the University of Derby, said: “We’ve been exploring collaboration with Hunan Vocation College over the last two years and this is the first time we’ve packaged the material to deliver it to our Chinese counterparts in this way.

“It is fantastic to collaborate on a course that is focused within the Chinese market, which we hope can be further developed to create new opportunities with other similar partners.”

Dr Christine Jones from Derby Business School added: “Derby has built a significant reputation for work-based learning and is fast becoming recognised as a leader in logistics education and research.

“The visitors will get to experience this first hand, including visits to Rolls-Royce, JCB and Crown Derby, as well as a talk from Systems Training on how to manage logistics apprenticeships.

“We’ve facilitated a logistics simulation with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), all while benefitting from the expertise of the logistics and education academics and research at the University.”

September 2015 will also see the start of three new logistics programmes at the University: BSc (Hons) Logistics Management (Top up), BSc (Hons) Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the MSc Supply Chain Improvement