Sounds good in theory – employer engagement in post-qualifying training

The modernised framework of Post-Qualifying (PQ) training requires employers and colleges to work in partnership. This workshop will critically engage with debates about how this is achieved effectively in practice . We will draw on the experience of delivering a very successful PQ programme to practitioners in the field of Community Care for adult service users, over the last 5 years. The programme consists of 3 modules delivered over a full year, and is facilitated by a group of Universities in the Cardiff and Newport areas. This course was specifically requested by a consortium of 13 South Wales Local Authorities. Over 60 candidates will have successfully completed the course by the end of this year. We will share our experiences of grappling with the challenges of sustaining enthusiasm for PQ training amongst employers and candidates. Personnel from various levels of the organisation, including training officers, team managers, senior practitioners and front-line staff have been involved, and some of these will be represented in the workshop. We have reflected on the essential ingredients of success – and the workshop will focus on how to generate these in practice. Some candidates who have completed the course, have subsequently become involved as assessors, mentors, or on the management team. Participation has widened during the course of the programme, to include representatives from a variety of rural and urban authorities, including those with high proportions of Welsh speakers. The module content has been rooted in contemporary practice and policy developments in the devolved, Welsh context. However, the lessons learnt from this process have UK wide application. Participants will be invited to discuss their concerns, and share expertise, about delivering PQ in the modern context. This workshop should have broad appeal to anyone interested in PQ developments