FRAMEWORK is a support and accreditation system for student work based learning within the European Union.  Its aim is to maximise the opportunities for students in the tertiary sector to learn within the workplace as part of their programme of study.  The database which the system manages is designed to facilitate an appropriate match of student to placement.

FRAMEWORK places emphasis upon preparation activities undertaken in advance of placement by students.  Such activities focus upon both a general preparation for the working environment and specific tasks connected with the business in which the student will be employed.  Preparation is reinforced by studies undertaken which explore the cultural diversity of the European Union.  These studies are designed to prepare students for the experience of living and working in countries which may be completely unfamiliar to them.

FRAMEWORK also offers support strategies which underpin the placement period itself, using reflective learning approaches and work place mentors to enhance the students development.

FRAMEWORK is a student focussed initiative with a capacity to deliver significant benefits to businesses and higher education institutions. For businesses it offers well prepared students keen to develop themselves and to play a real part in the working life of the enterprise.  For colleges it provides a guarantee that their students who participate in the initiative will gain a first class learning experience.

FRAMEWORK is about quality in work based learning.

By registering as a student FRAMEWORK user you are agreeing to: 

• allow your registration details to be entered onto the students database and be accessible to…... for any purpose associated with the aims of the initiative;
   
• accept no more than one placement offer;
   
• communicate decisions about placement offers in a timely fashion;
   
• undertake the preparation activities associated with the initiative as agreed between yourself and your college;
   
• undertake the tasks allocated to you within your placement to the best of your ability and generally conduct yourself in a manner appropriate to the commercial interests of your placement provider.

By registering as a business FRAMEWORK user you are agreeing to: 

• allow your registration details to be made available to registered student  FRAMEWORK users and to college FRAMEWORK users for purposes associated with the aims of the initiative;
  
• honour your commitments to provide the placement opportunities you have submitted for registration;
  
• provide a working environment appropriate to support the learning needs of the student;
  
• make available to the student a work place mentor or other suitable person capable of advising and assisting the student throughout the period of the placement;
   
• support the mentoring element of the initiative to the extent that commercial considerations allow.

By registering as a college FRAMEWORK user you are agreeing to:

• find businesses able to offer suitable placement opportunities for registration on the Framework database;
   
• ensure as far as possible that you maintain a level of reciprocity by balancing the number of businesses on the database registered through your connection, with the number of students you have approved for registration;
   
• use your best endeavours to ensure your students taking up a placement have undertaken the preparation activities associated with the initiative;
  
• offer appropriate levels of support to your registered students during the period of their placement