iAssessMe

An interactive learning support system that is web and tablet based. It will allow the user to build learning tasks associated with performance criteria and learning resources such as documents, manuals, sound files, videos etc. The learner can now take ownership of their learning; complete tasks set by the company and learn at their own pace. By associating learning against performance criteria and allowing the candidate to gather evidence vocationally, supported by line management and training staff, the candidate will be able to take ownership of their competence. Learning will be enhanced, accelerated and the learner will end up with a higher level of competence, improving safety and business performance. The learning support system can help move away from a compliance culture towards a coaching culture of dynamic learning with high levels of employee engagement.

The core of the learning system will be the Company's competence standards. These should be task driven and ideally should not reflect the outdated NVQ structure. 'Binary' performance criteria should be avoided. Instead, the requirements should be written such that competence can be measured on a continuum, enabling excellent performance to be highlighted alongside competence development needs (without the latter automatically indicating vocational incompetence).

Non-technical skills (see the RSSB T869 research project) should be mapped to individual performance criteria, to show how they underpin performance of technical tasks. They can be measured as part of a detailed competence profile.