Edexcel has this week launched Safe Learner, a brand new programme developed to provide students undertaking a work placement with the knowledge and understanding of potential risks and hazards in their workplace.
Students who complete the Safe Learner programme will be recognised with a Level 2 BTEC Award in Safe Learning in the Workplace.
The programme’s learning materials are delivered online, giving students the flexibility to work outside a classroom environment. Learners guide a virtual “friend” through the hazards of a series of workplace scenarios. The learner participates in interactive exercises and completes health and safety theory and self assessment questions. The online learning software was developed by Dynamic Distance Learning (DDL).
The Level 2 BTEC Award is assessed via an on-screen test, giving students instant results. It is also an invaluable accompaniment to other qualifications such as BTECs, GCSEs, A-levels and the forthcoming Diploma.
Wates Construction have already shown interest in the programme. Their Education Liaison Advisor Chris Simpson said: “Safe Learner is not only suitable for students, it’s suitable for employees. Safe Learner offers construction site staff a comprehensive list of health and safety dos and don’ts. This is essential for staff on any building site”.
John Kelly, Head of Trident at Edexcel, the UK’s largest provider of work experience for students aged 14-16 years, said: “Its absolutely essential that anyone about to embark on a work placement be conscious of the health and safety risks that exist in every workplace. Learners should be able to understand how hazards are identified, assessed and controlled. These are valuable skills that Safe Learner develops. These skills are transferable to any workplace.”
Croydon College is already using the Safe Learner software in class. John Stopani, Director of 14 – 19 Partnerships at Croydon College said: “Health and safety understanding is an essential part of preparing for the world of work and a work placement, but not necessarily the most riveting topic for students.”
“The Safe Learner e-learning materials present all aspects of health and safety in an interactive style that allows students to get things wrong virtually and learn from their mistakes. The BTEC Award is a useful addition to their CVs and its onscreen assessment fits the style of the e-learning materials perfectly.”
To register for Safe Learner or to find out more please visit www.edexcel.org.uk/safelearner
For media enquiries, please contact: Megan Fitzgerald, Media Affairs, on 020 7190 4730 or megan.fitzgerald@edexcel.org.uk
Notes to editors:
A Level 3 BTEC Award in Supervising the Health and Safety of Learners in the Workplace is also part of the Safe Learner suite but is an existing qualification. This qualification is not through online training. For further information on this qualification please visit www.edexcel.org.uk
Edexcel, a Pearson company, is the UK's largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally. In 2007 we delivered 9.6 million exam scripts in over 85 countries, with 4.5 million marked onscreen using the groundbreaking ePen technology. Our general qualifications taken internationally include GCSEs, AS and A Levels, IGCSEs and O Levels. Our vocational qualifications include NVQ and BTEC from entry level to Higher National Diplomas. Our entire vocational portfolio had over one million registrations across 45 countries.
