CPD - ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Registering for the Award

Anyone interested in undertaking this award should complete and submit the online registration form. Paper copies may be used either by printing the online form or by contacting Kingfisher House (by telephone: 0114 2763197 or by email). On receipt of the form IST will issue a scheme handbook (electronic or paper based) and joining instructions.

This process may change if more efficient procedures are found or if organisational responsibilities change. This will not impact on the delivery of the CPD Programme.

Induction

Induction can take place in different ways, either through access to the WEBCT system, locally through individual institutions staff development/training units or regional workshops through IST.

Induction will include:

• An introduction to the CPD award scheme
• Information about supporting resources
• Evidence gathering/work based learning
• Gap analysis/personal development planning
• Assessment planning
• Making the most of 'critical incidents'

The online resources

In addition to our main website, this scheme employs a system called WebCT to provide a secure and private range of facilities and resources including:

• Support material - the introductory materials, unit descriptions, forms, CAR and other materials you can download or read online
• Online Technicians CPD community - private discussion lists and e-mail that only users of this resource can see and respond to. The lists are moderated by CPD tutors.
• Tools to help you progress and develop - including an IT skills needs analysis; a checklist for personal development, self-development checklists to evaluate your progress.
• Useful links to other sites and information

Once you have registered via the IST website you will receive, by email, confirmation of your username and password for the WebCT system (the registration form allows you to specify your preferred username/password combination). Full instructions on how to access this resource will be provided on the main Technicians CPD website.

Work based learning – using the opportunities

The award will be achieved through the individuals own work place, working environment and work role. Learners will therefore have to take account of how they plan to meet the criteria through best use of work based learning opportunities.

To make the most of this it may be advisable to inform colleagues so that the work role can be extended to provide the learner with any development opportunities not immediately available.

Long term planning over the duration of the academic year will also ensure that the award dovetails with the individual work situation to best effect. How to approach this will be covered in the induction process.

Prior Achievement – what can be used

Credit can be given for prior achievement where skills are still current and this can be proven. Currency is considered to have been work practice within the last two years.

Currency may be in the form of other qualifications and evidenced through certificates where the learning has taken place or the ideas implemented in the work place.

Advice and support on presenting evidence of prior achievement will be given at induction and from your assessor as you proceed.