The aim of our Foundation Learning programme is to equip young people with the skills and experience needed to enable them to enter employment or move on to further training. The support provided alongside this programme is intended to help young people grow in confidence and overcome any barriers which may otherwise be preventing them from progressing. This programme allows 16 – 18 year-olds who are unsure of which career path to take to experience a range of flexible options and work experience placements to enable them to make informed decisions. An integral part of the Foundation Learning programme is to address basic skills and enable learners to gain qualifications and recognition for their achievements.

Examples of options available are:

• Functional Skills (English, Maths and ICT) Entry Levels, Level 1 and Level 2
• A range of Personal Development Opportunities
• Vocational Skills and Underpinning Knowledge
• Career Options
• Employability Skills
• Work Placements/Tasters
• Citizenship Knowledge and Awareness

Foundation Learning is primarily designed to facilitate the opportunity for progression. It provides a positive learning experience offering support and the kind of environment that young people need to make the successful transition into their next stage of development. Progression may be to an Apprenticeship, to other employment-based opportunities or to further vocational training. The programme will be a positive option for young people who seek and will benefit from work-based learning opportunities and its duration is determined by the needs of the individual and their ultimate objectives.

Induction

The induction/assessment period is for two weeks after which learners will be able to make choices from any of the following courses to produce an Individual Learning Plan which should cover between 16 and 30 hours according to the needs of the learner and the options chosen:

Courses

• Functional Skills: Maths, English, ICT - Entry Levels, Level 1 and Level 2

• Childcare: Level 1 and Units toward Level 2

• Introduction to Accounting: Successful completion of this course will enable learners to progress to an AAT Apprenticeship

• Sports Leadership: Level 1

• Retail: Level 1

• Customer Service: Level 1

• Nail and Beauty: Level 1

• Fashion and Design: Level 1

• Work Experience: Work experience is arranged in a vocational area as agreed in the Individual Learning Plan

• Job Shop: Producing CV - Interview Skills; Job Hunting - including visits to Connexions and the Job Centre

• CSCS Card (Health & Safety Certificate for the Construction Industry): We are an accredited testing centre for the CSCS Card which is mandatory for the Construction Industry. It can be combined with maths specific to the Construction Industry

• Driving Theory Test: Knowledge and understanding of Driving Theory and the Highway Code. We provide five free lessons when the test is passed successfully

• Team Building: A range of activities designed to provide the opportunity for individuals to learn about the importance of working with others

• Visits & Outward Bound: Visits to places of interest; exploring local facilities; orienteering;and camping and trekking etc

• Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities; Equality and Diversity; Environmental issues; Community events; Awareness of local and national Government processes

Financial Support

Learners may be eligible to be paid an EMA allowance (Educational Maintenance Allowance) of £30.00 per week together with travels costs. A range of achievement bonuses are also available based on the achievements of the individual.

Transport

Where possible transport is provided for learners. If this is not practical travels costs will be reimbursed.

Facilities

Refectory: Hot and cold subsidised food is provided.

Recreation: A range of recreational facilities are provided, for example Pool tables, Internet Café, electronic games, bowling and use of a local gym.

If you would like to find out more about our programme, please contact us via e-mail or call Jackie Eyles on 01296 612401.