Royal Australian Navy: Work-Based Learning Analysis

The Royal Australian Navy utilizes work based learning by providing students with the theoretical basics of a trade and sending students to large platforms to shadow and be mentored by a more senior sailor. By applying this method, the Navy allows the majority of the training to be conducted outside the classroom and within the environment the student will be working. By providing the student with the work based experience it allows the student to gather a wider range of experience and knowledge of their core role within the Royal Australian Navy. For instance, the Royal Australian Navy gap year program provides individuals with the ability to experience and learn the roles of sailors. Williams (2010) suggests that work based learning is a

This scheme is ineffective due to the long and inefficient training environment. This system provides students with the ability to rush through the content and chose which information which critical to their knowledge. This allows students to miss key components on the training package and results in excessive failures. Additionally, this system does not provide students with any interaction with the technology which they are being trained for. As a result, the students tend to skip important information and skills within the training system. However, with the introduction of work based learning students would be able to consolidate their knowledge and gain valuable hands on experience on the technology and systems they are being trained in. Muhlemann (2016, pp 8-12) states that the benefits of work based learning is lower financial burden to the company and a reduced turnover rate. Therefore, by providing students with the ability to consolidate their training it will enhance the overall outcome of the students as well as reducing the overhead fees per student conducting the training. Additionally, the reduced turnover rate could be caused by students recognising the skills and knowledge being taught as being fundamental to the mastery of their trade. Therefore, this would provide the student with the motivation to complete their training, as they have already had hands on experience within their chosen field. However, without this interaction and experience with the technology all their training is theoretical. Thus, students lose the enthusiasm to maintain a theoretically dense subject. In essence, the Royal Australian Navy technical training is overwhelmed with technical information and lacks the respective experience needed to effectively and efficiently consolidate information. However, by introducing elements of work based