KITE College is building its Personal Development department which encompasses, PSHE/RSE, mental health awareness and independent living skills, and in addition to this, learners can gain a City and Guilds qualification in Employability skills.

City & Guilds in Employability Skills is a formal qualification designed to support the learner to develop the skills and qualities required to successfully gain a job in a chosen field, as well as preparing the learner for further study and supporting the development of techniques required for successful independent living.

Employability skills are embedded in all that we do here at KITE College, and we work collaboratively with outside agencies including the department of work and pensions, Be -mix, and CXK, alongside local employers to provide a robust employability program. Our careers progression officer also has regular meetings with learners so that we can ensure the curriculum is tailored to the learners’ needs and their skills. The groups are kept small and have support from our LSP’s who know the learners well.

The preparation for employment pathway provides a nurtured, differentiated and individualised approach in order to work towards the learner’s outcomes and aspirations for the future. The programme offers flexibility and a variety of opportunities and work experience for our learners, providing them with the skills and tools necessary to progress on from college and enhance their career prospects.

This qualification has been designed in collaboration with a range of experts from various industry sectors, training providers and employment and recruitment professionals to ensure the content matches what is needed and valued by today’s employment market, therefore facilitating our learners to develop the key skills, attitude and qualities that are expected from employers.

Short- and long-term outcomes are designed to support the progress of each learner in meeting their educational and career aspirations. The courses intentions are for learners to:

• Develop communication skills
• Develop English and Maths skills
• Work towards individualised goals
• Develop core independent living skills
• Be an active member of the local community
• Develop self-regulating strategies to manage behaviour
• Have opportunities to develop healthy lifestyles
• Become better equipped to make informed choices about their lives
• Develop relevant and meaningful employability skills

As our learners get closer to the point of leaving KITE College, we ensure that this transition is planned for and supported, sharing support needs with statutory organisations, another educational setting or an employer.

CITY & GUILDS EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS QUALIFICATION 5546

Whatever vocational course you choose, employability will be an additional qualification. Your tutor will deliver units to aid in getting you prepared to progress successfully into the world of work.

Why is the course important?

Employability Skills qualifications are designed to support an individual successfully gaining a job, progressing in a chosen field, preparing the individual for further study and supporting the development of techniques required forsuccessful independent living.

These qualifications are aimed at anyone who wants to live a more independent life, progress in education and/or their employment prospects as they progress along the career ladder.

The City & Guilds qualifications have been designed in collaboration with a range of experts from various industry sectors, training providers and employment and recruitment professionals to ensure the content matches what is needed and valued by today’s  employment market.

These qualifications can assist learners’ chances of progressing in education and gaining employment in any industry.

What are the aims of the course?

The Employability Skills qualifications support individuals in developing the skills and attitudes valued by employers.

The aim is to help individuals successfully prepare for and get a job, then to provide them with the tools to succeed and advance in their role.

Qualification Levels and Definition

The Employability Skills qualifications have been designed with maximum flexibility in mind so they can meet all learner requirements.

These qualifications are available from Entry 2 to Level 2. A learner can achieve some units and claim the smaller Introductory Award, Award or Extended Award or continue and gain this Certificate/Extended Certificate or continue further to claim a Diploma sized qualification.

Assessment

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence supported by internal quality assurance and external verification.

What will I be able to go on to after I’ve completed the course?

After completing this qualification, the learner has the opportunity to progress onto an apprenticeship, traineeship or higher level of education.

What else you will do

Mental Health & Wellbeing support and Training
Mental wellbeing among learners has been estimated to be around half the level of non-students. What makes matters worse is that mental health has historically been something that many people don’t feel able to openly acknowledge or discuss.

KITE College wants to ensure that all learners are equipped with a baseline awareness of mental health and wellbeing and have the skills to respond to mental health difficulties.

Our new Supporting learner Mental Health & Wellbeing e-learning course aims to change that! It provides you with a practical understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and ensures you have the skills to respond to mental health difficulties and to help you overcome any difficulties you encounter.

Learning Support
Becoming a learner at KITE College, your goals and aspirations become ours and we will give you all the help and support you need to achieve them.

We have a dedicated, highly qualified and experienced teaching and support staff working collaboratively with cross-college teams in efficiently assessing a student’s needs as well as organising and implementing a wide range of support programmes, each tailored to their individual requirements.

Life Skills
Life Skills are any skills you need to manage the activities and challenges of everyday life effectively. Mastery and development of these skills can improve all areas of your life, from your work to your relationships. They allow you to handle almost everything better, from processing your emotions more effectively to interacting with others. Some of the key areas you will focus on are:

Employability Skills
Employability Skills can be defined as the transferable skills needed to make you ‘employable’. Along with good technical understanding and subject knowledge, employers often outline a set of skills that they want from an employee. These skills are what they believe will equip the employee to carry out their role to the best of their ability.

Functional Skills
Functional Skills qualifications are key to building foundations for you to progress into your specialist skillsets. These subjects are a vital part of the entry/exit requirement for vocational study, apprenticeships and traineeships.

Learners who are entitled to extra support can also apply for: Free College Meals, Assisted Travel and Learner Bursaries.

Want to know more? Please contact: Reception@kite-college.org