Learning For Living and Work: Employability and Tasters in Vocational Areas (Entry Level 2–Level 1) Full-Time

Course overview

The Department of Learning for Living and Work is a specialist department in the College, for students with additional and complex learning needs. 

Each student will follow a highly personalised curriculum, individual learning plan, work at an appropriate yet challenging level of maths and/or English and enjoy learning about a number of topics in our weekly tutorial programme.  

Students are grouped with peers who are working at a similar ability and in most cases, classes have no more than nine students in. Support workers are on hand to support and develop maths, English, reading and writing skills, encourage and promote participation in groups, allow students to work independently but also provide support to break down tasks where necessary. Staff are highly skilled and trained to support, stretch and challenge students in order for them to achieve their long term aspirations. Staff also provide support where students may need extra assistance such as feeding, personal care and way finding.  

These programmes are for students aiming to develop their employability and vocational skills, including volunteering and work experience opportunities.

Curriculum areas include:

• Looking after yourself and wellbeing
• Community and travel
• Creative
• Using technology
• Volunteering
• Work experience
• Embedded Maths, English and Functional Skills
• Enterprise skills
• Progression planning
• Employability skills
• Enrichment
• Travel training
• Digital skills

Vocational options could include:

• Service and Leisure Industries
• Landbased and Trades
• Creative and Digital

Progression possibilities:

• Further study 
• Vocational programmes
• Supported living
• Independent living 
• Community participation
• Day activities 
• Volunteering 
• Personal budget
• Supported employment/paid work

Course content

• Enjoy some of your lessons learning new skills in your chosen vocational area such as Art and Design, Catering, Animal Care, Sport, Media, Hair and Beauty. This will help you settle in and prepare you for when you are ready to move on. 
• Develop your independent living skills such as cooking, travel and community 
• Agree, set and achieve personal targets that prepare you for your future goals  
• Develop your Maths and English skills at a level that is right for you 
• Develop your enterprise skills in workshop sessions
• Enjoy fun activities during ‘enrichment’ sessions 
• Take part in volunteering activities 
• Expand your IT skills using technology to learn 
• Attend a work placement to in order to put into practice your in-class learning experience 
• Participate in Tutorial sessions such as; healthy living, friendships/relationships, online safety and many more! 
• Experience engaging talks from guest speakers to motivate and inspire you on your learning journey