Promoting Student TrainingThe Directory of Student Training Opportunities

Julie BarrattDirector CIEH Wales Cyfawyddwraig yng Nghymru, Sefydliad Siartredig Iechyd yr Amgylchedd

The challenges (1)

• Financial pressures on students – need to get training out of the way as quickly as possible

• Budget pressures on local authorities – training budgets often the most vulnerable

• Fewer authorities offering funded placements, some not training students at all

The Challenges (2)

• Expanding job market for EHPs means that local authority experience may be of limited value in ‘real’ world

• Splitting of EH departments – full suite of training opportunities may not be available within a local authority

• Need to keep practical training a high quality and valuable learning experience

Meeting the Challenge

• A depository for a broad range of single training opportunities.

• Students can access without being tied to any local authority

• Practical training can be started and continued at time to suit students

• Web based for ease of access

The mechanics

• Most work is in the set up

• Needs one collator and lots of collaborators

• Use of standard templates – makes it easy to participate

• Simple update mechanism – limits on going work (and cost)

Intervention Area Housing / Food Safety / Environmental Protection, Health & Safety / Health Promotion and Development / Miscellaneous

Nature of Training Opportunity

Description of nature of opportunity – Visit to Nuclear Power Plant , Inspection of Bakery etc

Training Outcome Description of what student will see, learn, do etc – as per the Experiential Learning Grid requirements

Name of Training Provider

Contact Name, address, telephone number and email address

Learning Period required Periods from ½ day to 6 months

Precluded dates Trainers can specify dates when training will not

be available – typically weeks before and after Christmas and month of August

Specific requirements Items such as water proof clothing , Wellingtons etc, or pre-reading of strategy documents or legislation

Group Visit? *

Additional comments Any further relevant comments from training provider – e.g. timing of visit dependant in tide times etc

Linked Visits Other training opportunities in the DSTO from the same training provider

Addressing the criticisms –Local Authorities will be swamped

• Control of student numbers rests with training provider

• Training provider defines time required for training opportunity

• Training provider can advise student that not convenient to take them if approached

• Training limited to the opportunity described – not open ended

Addressing the Criticisms –Does not address the Funding Issues

• As Range and Choice of training opportunities increases, less dependence on LA paid placements

• Paid 12 month placements becomes 2 x 6 month paid placements

• Non LA providers giving funded placements – Iceland, Lloyds Pharmacy etc

• Fairer and more equitable?

Where next?

• Increase the range and choice of training opportunities

• Arrange training exchanges – Wales and Northern Ireland

? Quality Assess the training provided?

? Make the DSTO a CPD Opportunities Directory?