there is growing interest in how practice-based models of learning can assist the initial preparation for and further development of skills for the professions and other occupations. long-standing practice-based approaches to learning have been used in a range of occupations, including those referred to as the professions and trades. indeed, admission into the trades and major professions (e.g. medicine, law, accountancy) can only be realised after completing extended periods of practice d in authentic practice settings. however, now, there is a growing and particular interest in how practice-based models of learning can assist both the initial preparation and ongoing development of workplace practitioners. much of this is to do with concerns about the direct employability of graduates and the increasing focus on occupation specific courses in both vocations and higher education. given this, it is worthwhile understanding how existing models of practice-based learning are enacted in order to identify how this approach to promoting learning might best occur, for different kinds of work and in different kinds of workplace settings. this book provides perspectives on practice-based learning from a range of disciplines and fields of work. the collection here draws on a range of perspectives to elaborate and critically appraise approaches to practice-based learning across occupations such as social work, aviation, aquaculture, jewellery design, and nursing.
