Start at a Level to suit you

Foundation Learning

If you are between the ages of 16 and 18 and know what job you want to do but aren’t quite ready to go to work, then this is the course for you. You will be able to gain a qualification in your work area and also qualifications in Maths, English and ICT.  You will also be able to experience work placements where you can use your new skills.

All the qualifications are delivered from Entry Level 3 to Level 1, with some Level 2 and you will be able to study at a level to suit you..

On top of all that you this course will help you increase your confidence and make new friends.

NVQ

Is a National Vocational Qualification which does not require the learner to be in full time employment but recognises and provides evidence of experience. You need to be working either part time or volunteering.

Apprenticeship

This is for those who are employed full or part time, are capable of working at Level 1 in literacy and numeracy and want to learn whilst they earn. Additionally, Teaching Assistants need to be capable of Level 1 ICT and Level 2 literacy. The Apprenticeship framework always includes an NVQ at Level 2, and may include a Technical Certificate (which provides the underpinning subject knowledge), Employment Rights and Responsibilities and Key Skills*. It is broadly equivalent to 5 GCSEs at A*-C, or 1 AS level.

Advanced Apprenticeship

This is for those who are employed full time and who have the ability to work at Level 2 in literacy and numeracy (and Level 2 ICT for Teaching Assistants). The Apprenticeship framework includes an NVQ at Level 3, a Technical Certificate (which provides the underpinning subject knowledge), Employment Rights and Responsibilities and Key Skills*. It is broadly equivalent to 2 A levels.

Key Skills/Functional Skills*

Key Skills, which include Communication (literacy), Application of Number (numeracy) and ICT, have always been part of the apprenticeship framework. However, they are currently being reviewed by the Qualification & Curriculum Authority (QCA) and are due to be replaced by Functional Skills in 2010.

Latest news from Government is that Key Skills in Apprenticeships will now run until April 2011, whilst final decisions are made regarding Functional Skills.

What are Functional Skills?

They are practical skills in English, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and Maths. They help make sense of daily life, from working out which deal is best value, to writing an application letter or surfing the internet. They are about using English, Maths and ICT in everyday situations.