Amy Lund, Senior Teaching Fellow, Work-Based Learning Lead and Acting Head of the Department of Communications has just published The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook. Amy and her co-authors – Tony Wall and Ann Minton, have dedicated the book as a tribute to the life and work of Professor Ruth Helyer, who passed away suddenly in August 2019. 

The handbook has been written to enrich students’ learning experiences by sharing real-life case studies, useful tips and reflective activities. It has also been designed to support students on WBL degrees and degree apprenticeships across a range of disciplines, including Business and Management, Health and Social Care, Law, Sport and Exercise Science and Tourism. WBL courses provide students with access to and experience in real-world working environments, and encourages them to take responsibility for their own continued development. 

Amy, who lived and worked as a journalist in New York, Sydney and London before returning to Yorkshire to pursue a career in higher education, is currently undertaking postgraduate research in WBL. She took on the role of Work-Based Learning Lead following Professor Ruth Helyer’s sudden passing, after working together on WBL projects in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. 

Ruth was Professor of Work-Based Learning at Leeds Trinity University and a National Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. After developing the WBL agenda during the early 2000s, she became an internationally acclaimed expert in the field, contributing to many publications and journals relating to higher education and work-based learning.  

Leeds Trinity WBL tutors Dr Nadira Mirza, Kirsty Beckett and Sarah Scowcroft also contributed to the book, writing chapter 4: Making the Most of Your Learning Opportunities at University which highlights essential approaches, tips and skills for active learners, particularly in Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. 

Amy said: “Ruth had outlined the plans and contributors for the third edition of The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook, so it has been an honour to contribute to completion of her vision. The updated version remains an essential manual for WBL students but also reflects the changing context of learning since the global pandemic and the shift to blended learning.” 

Tony Wall, co-author and Founder and Head of the International Centre for Thriving, said: "This is the third, freshly renewed edition of the leading text for work-based and apprenticeship learners and we are proud to dedicate the book to Ruth who was passionate about supporting others."

Professor Malcolm Todd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We are very proud to hear that Amy has published her first book in tribute to Professor Ruth Helyer, a highly respected colleague and trusted friend. During her two years at Leeds Trinity University, Ruth made a huge impact in the area of work-based learning including apprenticeships and foundation degrees. The University has a long tradition of professional education, offering every student a higher education qualification, work experience and industry-relevant skills.” 

The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook is available to purchase online from Thursday 17 December, with prices starting at £18.47.

Leeds Trinity University offers work-based learning opportunities through the provision of apprenticeships, foundation degrees and top-up degrees including: B2B Sales, Digital Marketing, Management, Senior Leadership, Software Engineering, Supply Chain Leadership, Early Childhood Studies and Supporting Children, Young People and Families.