The focus for this module is on working to full professional standards as a respected colleague in the visitor attraction context for this final work placement, the culmination of a continuous cycle of placements throughout the preceding FdA Visitor Attraction and Resort Management award. You are required to have developed the contacts and accumulated experience in the two earlier placement modules (on the FdA), combined with informed and dedicated interest in particular areas of operation, e.g. retail, marketing, rides, accommodation etc., to negotiate full professional placements. In all cases the placements must concentrate throughout on working as visitor attraction professionals. Your grasp of what is required to operate to such standards must be demonstrated in work submitted for assessment. You must produce a detailed 2,500-word portfolio, incorporating critical reflection and evaluation of the inter-personal, technical and performance aspects of the work undertaken and identify and critically appraise appropriate technical, business and industry-related issues. You should also provide a substantial body of evidence, i.e. employer statement and work log, to evidence continuous performance to the standards expected by the industry.
The module runs over one semester, allowing you to negotiate placements at peak periods for the attraction and around the course timetable, assisting the scheduling of existing commitments. As with the previous two placement modules you will be advised to undertake placements in key areas of interest. It is likely that most students, by this stage, will have developed strong links with one particular area. You will also be monitored throughout by the employer and the module tutor. Students and employers will have continual consultation with the module tutor. The employer will deliver a formal statement of your performance, following the placement.

Your module tutor will provide you with a Placement Planning Document (PPD) which will support discussions around choice of placement, industry knowledge, specific role information, and employability behaviours. The PPD will be completed as the placement progresses and will provide the framework for individualised learning and employability outcomes. You will be supported throughout the process by your module tutor.

A portfolio comprising evidence of work completed, an employer statement (LO1 and LO3) and a student-written assessment (2,500 words) including a critical evaluation of the knowledge and understanding necessary to produce industry standard output in the visitor attraction workplace context (LO2) and a critical appraisal of at least two appropriate and relevant technical, business and/or industry-related issues (LO4).

This module will provide a final placement opportunity in a key area of interest within a specified visitor attraction context. An introductory briefing session (2 hours) will outline module requirements and confirm placement arrangements and assessment requirements. Each placement will be negotiated and will require ongoing communication with the module tutor. Placement visits will be led by the module tutor and there will be two further 1-hour briefing sessions, one midway through the module and one prior to final assessment submission.

The module will be delivered over a standard Semester comprising 13 weeks of blended learning.

1. Demonstrate personal conduct and responsibility to standards required by placement employer in all areas of work

2. Critically evaluate the knowledge and understanding necessary to produce industry standard output in the visitor attraction workplace

3. Demonstrate personal conduct and responsibility to standards required by placement employers in all areas of work

4. Critically appraise appropriate technical, business and industry-related issues

Employer workplace and systems
Blackboard : VLE, Webinar (Collaborative), Blogs, Discussion Boards, Online Tests
LinkedIn Learning
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
Microsoft Office Suite
Padlet

Helyer, R. (2015) "Learning through reflection: the critical role of reflection in work-based learning (WBL)", Journal of Work-Applied Management, Vol. 7 Issue: 1,pp.15-27, https://doi.org/10.1108/JWAM-10-2015-003

Staffordshire University Work Based Learning Placement Planning Guide (2018)

Staffordshire University Work Based Learning Work Experience Guide for students (2018)

Staffordshire University Work Based Learning Work Experience Guide for employers (2018)

The Work Placement module provides you with the opportunity to enhance your work-based skills and competency whilst contributing to the operation of a chosen employer in the visitor attraction sector. You will gain further insight into your future career path and develop critical reflection skills in order to continue your professional development. You will be required to complete a minimum of 100 hours on work placement before you commence your final semester of study.

Completion and pass - FdA Visitor Attraction and Resort Management (SU only)