Dr Ruth Helyer

National Teaching Fellow 2013 Originally an English Literature scholar, Dr Ruth Helyer made the transition into work-based learning when working with a wide range of non-traditional students in outreach classes. She was an avid believer in the power and potential of lifelong learning and, as a mature student, experienced first-hand the powerful synergy of bringing considerable workplace experience to HE study. She has dedicated her energy to providing a framework for students to make connections between theory and practice; to better facilitate guided reflection through a focus on their learning and research which is happening in the workplace. Since the early 2000s Ruth has actively developed the work-based learning agenda and has become a nationally acknowledged expert in this area. She has developed innovative programmes, which have been created in conjunction with employers; founded the Negotiated Learning Scheme at Teesside; established the Working with Business Network and the associated Professional Mentoring Scheme; set up the observatory collection of resources; and established a new approach to accrediting prior learning within the University. As a leader in this field Ruth is also widely published: her popular text book 'The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook' (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010) appears on numerous reading lists. She also edits the Emerald peer-reviewed journal Higher Education Skills and Work-Based Learning: the official journal the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) and one of the few peer-reviewed journals publishing material of direct relevance to this growing academic area. The special issue last year on higher apprenticeship was launched in the House of Commons. As a champion of work-based learning, she has been instrumental in the University becoming one of the leaders in the sector in business engagement activities.