How IPES Skill Tracks & Study Programs Works

How it Works: Teaching & Learning Approaches

The study programs or courses within the various IPES Skill Tracks are specifically designed to guide students from complete novices or beginners to expert-level qualification and certificate types in IPES in their chosen field. The IPES – Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies qualification is structured so that students’ progress step-by-step, gaining the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience required for professional success.

At IPES, each session lasts for 3 months. Regardless of the study program students are enrolled in, the approach starts with foundational knowledge and gradually advances to more specialized topics. The structure is designed to help students develop expertise by the end of their course, which follows a clear phased progression.

In summary:

• Internships are short-term, educational experiences for students or recent grads.
• Apprenticeships are long-term, structured programs that combine learning with work, often leading to a qualification in a trade.
• Industry Attachments are generally academic work placements designed to give students practical exposure in their field of study.

How it Works:

Phase 1: Months 1-6

In the first 6 months (2 sessions), students follow the IPES Apprentice Study Model. The goal during this phase is to immerse students in the basics of their chosen field, both through theoretical learning and practical experience. This is done using an apprenticeship approach that emphasizes hands-on learning while students gain deeper insights into their study areas.

• Session 1 (Months 1-3): This session introduces foundational topics across all Skill Tracks in the Trades Skills Categories. Students engage in both theory-based classes and practical exercises in workshops, factories, and construction sites, building a broad base of knowledge.
• Session 2 (Months 4-6): In the second session, students begin to focus more specifically on their chosen study program. The instruction continues to balance theory and practical experience, still under the guidance of the apprenticeship model, which helps students deepen their understanding and skills in their field.

Apprenticeship Overview:

• Duration: Typically spans few months to 4 years, depending on the program.
• Objective: Apprenticeships combine hands-on, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, providing structured learning. Students work under the supervision of skilled mentors and gradually develop the necessary skills for a specific occupation.
• Focus: Apprenticeships are intensive and specialized, often leading to formal certification or qualifications in a trade (such as carpentry, electrical work, etc.).

At the end of Phase 1, some study programs award a Professional Certificate after 2 sessions (6 months). Students who continue to Phase 2 will move forward with more specialized training.

Phase 2: Months 7-12

The second phase spans the next 6 months (2 sessions), where students transition to the IPES Concept Study Model. This phase builds on the foundational knowledge from Phase 1, with a stronger emphasis on internships and hands-on experience in a real-world setting. The goal now is to develop more structured skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in a business, factory, or other professional environments.

• Internship Overview:
  • Duration: Typically ranges from a few weeks to several months.
  • Objective: Internships provide students with practical exposure to their field of study, where they gain experience and assist professionals with tasks and projects.
  • Focus: Internships are educational in nature and provide opportunities to explore various career paths, improving both technical skills and professional understanding.

At the end of Phase 2, some programs conclude after 4 sessions (12 months), awarding an Academic Diploma or Higher National Diploma (HND). Those who continue to Phase 3 will deepen their understanding and skills through further industry experience.

Phase 3: Months 13-18

The third phase spans the final 6 months (2 sessions) of the study program, and it focuses on Industry Attachment. By this point, students have developed a solid understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of their field. The third phase is designed to take their skills to a higher level by integrating industrial principles and guidance into their learning.

• Industry Attachment Overview:
  • Duration: Varies, but it typically lasts for several months as part of the academic curriculum.
  • Objective: Industry attachment is often a required component of the program, where students work within a company or industry related to their field. This allows them to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting.
  • Focus: The main focus is to give students a deeper understanding of how their academic learning applies in real-world professional environments. This can involve observation, project-based learning, and sometimes hands-on work, giving students a well-rounded experience.

At the end of Phase 3, some study programs conclude after 6 sessions (18 months) and award a Professional Diploma or Higher National Diploma (HND). Students who continue beyond this point move into a further phase of Industry Attachment as part of their ongoing development.

This structured approach ensures that students not only acquire knowledge in their chosen fields but also gain practical, hands-on experience. The combination of apprenticeship, internships, and industry attachments gives students a comprehensive, real-world education that prepares them for success in their careers.

Core Training and Specialization Training

Core Training Program and Specialization Training Program are two types of training pathways designed to develop different levels of expertise and skills. Here’s how they differ:

Core Training Program:

• Objective: The core training program focuses on building a strong foundational knowledge and skill set in a particular field. It covers essential, broad-based concepts and competencies that are required across multiple roles within the industry.
• Target Audience: This program is typically aimed at beginners, students, or professionals looking to develop a solid base in a specific area.
• Content: Core training usually includes basic principles, techniques, and methodologies that are applicable to a wide range of job functions within the field. For example, in IT, core training might cover basic programming languages, cybersecurity fundamentals, and networking principles.
• Outcome: Completion of a core training program enables individuals to understand the key aspects of a field, making them well-rounded professionals capable of performing general tasks across various roles.

Specialization Training Program:

• Objective: Specialization training focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in a specific subfield or niche area of a larger industry. It’s designed to provide in-depth expertise in a particular domain.
• Target Audience: This program is typically aimed at individuals who already have foundational knowledge (perhaps from a core training program) and are looking to advance their skills in a particular specialization or career path.
• Content: Specialization training dives deeper into a specific topic, such as data science, AI programming, cloud computing, or advanced cybersecurity. It provides hands-on, in-depth exposure to tools, techniques, and methodologies tailored to the chosen area of expertise.
• Outcome: Upon completion, participants gain a high level of competence in a specialized area, making them experts or highly skilled professionals in that domain, ready for roles requiring niche knowledge.

In summary:

• Core Training Program builds a broad foundational skill set that prepares individuals for general roles within an industry.
• Specialization Training Program develops advanced expertise in a specific area, allowing individuals to excel in specialized roles.

Both programs complement each other, with the core training program laying the groundwork and the specialization program honing expertise in a particular field.