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The Faculty of Business & Law at the University of Portsmouth, in collaboration with PETA Ltd., is seeking an innovative and motivated individual to join a prestigious Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme as an Applied Learning Design Associate. This pioneering project will develop an Applied Learning Design Framework (ALDF) to create agile, market-led training solutions within the sector to identify current and future market needs.

As the KTP Associate, you will lead the design, development and implementation of the ALDF, working at the intersection of learning design theory and digital pedagogy and technology-enabled learning innovation. You will explore how data, digital tools, automation and emerging technologies can be integrated into learning design processes to improve responsiveness, scalability and efficiency. You will collaborate with PETA’s operational teams and academic specialists from the School of Organisations, Systems and People and the Centre for Academic Development and Innovation (CADI), combining technical development with research-informed decision-making to deliver a strategically significant project that will influence workforce development across the region.

The company

PETA Ltd. is one of the region’s leading corporate training and apprenticeship providers, with over 50 years’ experience supporting engineering, digital, leadership and management capability across the Solent region. PETA is committed to innovation in skills development and has a strong vision to lead future workforce transformation through evidence-based, high-quality training solutions.

The project

This KTP project, jointly funded by Innovate UK and PETA, will transform how training programmes are designed and delivered. It moves beyond traditional training needs analysis, bringing together real-time skills forecasting (via the Future Skills Navigator – FSN – diagnostic tool) with agile programme development.

Central to the project is the creation of an ALDF, a pioneering approach enabling the design of modular, inclusive and scalable learning solutions for diverse learners, including apprentices and neurodiverse learners. This will set a new benchmark for innovative, evidence-based design in the sector.

You will be based at PETA’s headquarters in Cosham, with regular support from university academics, the KTP Adviser, and the University’s KTP support team.

The role

The Associate will lead, facilitate and manage:

  • Translating complex academic learning design theory into a practical, evidence-based and technology-enabled framework that supports efficient course design and development.
  • Understanding delivery formats to meet diverse learner needs.
  • Analysing learner profiles to inform inclusive and personalised design approaches.
  • Designing a scalable and inclusive framework that can be applied across apprenticeships, short courses, and bespoke training solutions.
  • Identifying opportunities to utilise digital tools, automation and AI-assisted approaches to reduce manual effort and accelerate the design, review and maintenance of learning solutions.
  • Driving continuous improvement through evaluation of the framework’s development and implementation.
  • Collaboration with Analytics and Skills Solution Architect Associate.
  • Engaging stakeholders share insights and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

Knowledge transfer partnership (KTP)

KTPs bring together universities and businesses to work together on a development project that is strategically important to the future of an organisation. A KTP offers:

  • Acceleration for your career
  • Access to £2,000 personal training budget per year
  • A competitive salary
  • The opportunity to lead and manage a strategic project
  • The possibility of a permanent post with the company
  • The support of an academic team from the University
  • The opportunity to enhance training and learning

Benefits

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

  • Competitive salary
  • Generous pension scheme.
  • Generous leave entitlement of 26 days a year, plus bank holidays.
  • Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
  • Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
  • Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
  • Excellent training and development opportunities.
  • Staff wellbeing programmes.
  • Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
  • Discounted learning.
  • Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence