An assessment of how Work-Based Learning methodologies may contribute to the development of engineering education in the 21st Century

Education in the 21(st) Century finds itself having to face many challenges in order to satisfy the expectations of governments, students and industry. Some readily identifiable themes are life-long learning, continuous professional development, wider access routes for non-traditional students and the development of knowledge workers. This paper examines each of these themes in the context of engineering education in the 21(st) Century and proposes a set of key issues for each theme that reflects its contribution to the development of the student and practicing engineer. Using key issues and the basic concepts of work-based learning, its potential to contribute to the delivery of each theme, is assessed. The resulting observations are then used to identify how effective current work-based learning methodologies, such as reflective practice, are in achieving the educational objectives of each theme. Finally, a set of guidelines for the use of work-based learning in the delivery of the different thematic objectives within student and practicing engineer education is suggested.