Learning for Living and Work: Pathway to Social Employment

General information

The course is designed for people with learning difficulties who would benefit from an opportunity to develop the independence skills needed for adulthood and the world of work. The overall aim is to help each student, according to their potential and abilities, become more independent as a young adult and to introduce them to the skills required for the world of work. All students receive regular tutorial support.

Course content

The course will introduce an understanding of work practices through a Business Enterprise project. The course will consist of:

• Creating a business enterprise
• Craft activities
• Horticulture
• Woodwork
• Using ICT

Students will follow a programme to develop their personal and social skills which will include:

• Training to develop independent travel skills
• Communication skills
• Personal skills
• Residential experience

A week at Wood Lodge residential centre to practise and further develop independence skills is a compulsory part of the course. The continued development of students’ literacy, ICT and numeracy skills will be integral aspects of the course. All students will meet regularly with an assigned personal tutor to review their progress, identify personal targets and develop an individual learning plan.

Teaching and assessment

Students will be taught through a range of practical activities, business enterprise projects and vocational tasters using the college classrooms, workshop facilities and the local community. Assessment will be continuous and consist of tutor observation of practical skills and the assessment of completed work, which will contribute to the development of a portfolio of evidence.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a real commitment to try hard, attend regularly and take a full part in all aspects of the course. Applicants will have the ability to:

• Move around the college campus and use facilities independently
• Use public transport and behave appropriately in public
• Develop skills to travel independently using public transport
• Work co-operatively with others as a member of a team
• Use practical workshops safely with support

Applicants will need to provide a Moving On Plan (139A assessment) or similar evidence, and progress reports from their most recent education provider.

Additional course costs

All students will need to be equipped with pens and note paper. They will need a bus pass for travel training and trips out; safety boots or shoes for Woodwork and Horticulture. There will be occasional educational visits and activities for which students will be expected to make a contribution towards costs. £50 contribution towards residential week costs.

Progression

Students will work towards their individual personal targets to enable them to progress to either the Employment Preparation course or to move into social employment in the community.

All students will be working torwards the achievment of an EDI Entry 2 Certificate in Skills for Working Life and accreditation in Personal and Social Development.