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Start at a Level to suit you

Entry to Employment/Progression Pathways

If you are between the ages of 16 and 19 and do not feel ready for the world of work, perhaps because you left school with low grades, no qualifications or you lack confidence, then this is the course for you.

You will study literacy, numeracy and ICT. You will be able to choose from a range of workrelated subjects, be given a work placement and gain relevant qualifications to set you on your chosen career path.

Programme Led Apprenticeship (PLA)

It is not always possible to be employed at the start of an apprenticeship because of age or health and safety restrictions in an industry. A PLA course starts with the taught side of the apprenticeship route and includes a work placement providing both practical experience and a qualification leading to employment.

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.

During 2009/10 we will be trialling Functional Skills with some of our learners and, whilst our prospectus currently lists Key Skills within the apprenticeship framework, it may be that learners will have the choice of completing Key or 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.

Courses available with Access