LCL Awards offers its centres the option of an e-portfolio to record the progress of their learners. To fully test the software’s capabilities we initially launched a pilot to a few of their gas MLP training centres in October 2020. It was then rolled out to all approved centres in January 2021.  

The e-portfolio is a fully interactive tool developed from software designed by Peter Lambourne of Ecordia. The system has been specially adapted to fit LCL Awards’ needs and each learner has their own ‘page’ which can be accessed remotely, and at any time, by the the trainer, learner and assessor.  

As the learner uploads evidence of each piece of work they do and the trainer comments on each job they’ve completed, over time, the records build into a useful file of evidence, which helps the learner keep track of how they’re getting on and helps the assessor make their final decision on the learner’s progress. 

The proof of the pudding 

David Owen, Programme Area Leader for the Heating and Plumbing Programme at MKC Training at the Royal School of Military Engineering has recently started using the system for candidates on LCL Awards’ Managed Learning Programme.  

“The e-portfolio works really well for us. Because our learners are service leavers and ex-service personnel, spread around the country, the fact that they - and we - can access information from anywhere is great.  

“It’s a really good learning tool as well. The learners upload a write-up for each job they complete, record readings and can even upload photographs from their phones. We get instant access to all of this and can therefore comment and offer feedback straight away.”  

David introduced us to Sandesh, one of the centre’s first learners to build their portfolio via the E-cordia system.  Sandesh, who completed eight months training at Chatham’s Brompton Barracks as part of the Armed Forces re-settlement scheme, has been working three or four days a week with a company in London to gain the necessary work experience for his portfolio.  

As Sandesh completed each boiler installation or service, he used his e-portfolio to pass information back to David and the team in Kent. Sandesh found the Ecordia software a great way to keep in touch with his tutors and access their evaluations on his progress: 

“I really liked the e-portfolio. It didn’t take long for me to work out how the system worked and the real benefit to me was the instant feedback I got from my trainers in Kent. It really helped me keep on track. If you asked me how I felt about it, I’d say it was absolutely perfect! “ 

Sandesh, who has now left the army, is about to embark on a new life and career, having been offered a job in Reading.  

The LCL Awards e-portfolio provides approved training centres and colleges offering the Managed Learning Programme a flexible and user-friendly tool for recording work experience during the portfolio section of the learning scheme. 

Functionality and simplicity make the perfect package 

Steve Humphreys, External Verifier & Technical Specialist at LCL Awards worked with Ecordia in developing the software:  

“After a review of several E-Portfolios in August 2020 we decided to go with Ecordia. We were very impressed with the functionality and simplicity of their E-Portfolio and felt that our centres and the learners would engage with it. We then worked with Peter Lambourne and the team at Ecordia to embed our MLP into Ecordia.  

“Implementing Ecordia as part of our process has allowed us to work more efficiently with our centres. The e-portfolio creates an easy transition of information, communication and evidence from learner through to the training centre and LCL Awards. 

“Ecordia is now available for other qualifications including Smart Metering and our new Level 2 Plumbing and Heating Qualification. It will also soon to be available for our updated Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings.” 

If you’d like to find out more about how the system could help you, please book a place on the demonstration that Peter Lambourne and Steve Humphreys will be delivering at our forthcoming virtual forum. It runs from 9.30-10.30 am on Thursday 24^th June, please click here.

To find out about all the sessions at the forum, which takes place from the 21st to the 24th of June, and book your tickets, click here.