Recruitment and Retention in the Post-16 Learning and Skills Sector

8 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT8.1 Success for All policy states that learners must be taught by thosecompetent to teach. Subject knowledge should be demonstrated by aLevel 4 qualification or by substantial sector or occupational experiencealongside other related qualifications.8.2 The research highlights a generally strong culture of training anddevelopment in the post-16 sector. This section covers issues relatingto:• general involvement in training and professional development;• subject specific training;• qualifications.General Involvement in Training and ProfessionalDevelopment8.3 Respondents were asked a range of questions relating to training anddevelopment within their job role (Figure 8.1):• the vast majority of respondents reported that they have a regularperformance review or appraisal (89%);• 84% of respondents reported that they have a written set ofdevelopment objectives or a written development plan;• 82% of respondents reported they are engaged in a programme ofcontinuous professional development (CPD);• 80% of respondents reported that they have participated in peermentoring during the last year, such as lesson observations ordiscussions of teaching practices with peers;• 48% of respondents reported that they have non-contact time setaside for continuous professional development.73