The Preparation for Learning programme provides a nurtured, differentiated and individualised approach in order to work towards the learner’s outcomes and aspirations for the future. Each learner has a personalised programme based on their pre-existing knowledge and skills and is adapted as required to meet learner’s needs and abilities. The programme offers flexibility and opportunities for our learners, helping to motivate our vulnerable learners through the cumulative experience of successes, and is aimed at encouraging them to stay engaged with education to improve their well-being and economic outcomes.

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.

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.
Some topics are cross-curricular to give the learners maximum opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge before they leave college.
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 functional 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

Throughout the Preparation for Learning programme, learners are encouraged to access other vocational areas of the college, as their confidence grows, allowing them to gain more experiences and skills that they may not have been able to consider before. Our programme provides our learners with greater opportunities for progression and personalised plans towards a purposeful and supported ‘destination’. 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.

Preparation for Learning Programme

Who is it suitable for?

The Entry Level 3 – Level 2 Award & Certificate is ideally suited to 16-23-year-old learners who have successfully completed, or are working towards the Entry Level 3/Level 1, or have GCSE’s D-F. The programme is suitable for those who need to build their confidence and self-esteem to achieve at a level suiting their ability.  The inclusion of Level 2 optional units also allows learners the opportunity to progress to a higher level, if they are able.

What are the aims of the course?

This programme involves a City & Guilds qualification in Employability Skills, enabling the student to have an awareness of the world of work and to be able to explore their individual career interests and plan for their future job choices.

The Personal & Social Development & Life Skills course enables the student to experience a combination of topics which provides learners to develop their knowledge and skills that they will require to look after themselves independently. Both theory and practical tasks will support confidence to make safe choices and have an awareness of how to look after themselves.

This programme consists of a combination of units from:
• PSD units covering the knowledge/skills required to prepare for independence
• Employability skills & knowledge to prepare for the working environment
• Functional Skills
• Practical life skills

What areas are covered in this course:

 • Health & Safety & First Aid
• Interview Skills
• Rights & Responsibilities
• How to Search and Apply for Jobs
• Money Management
• Healthy Living
• Personal Safety

How is the course assessed?

The assessments for this qualification have a practical focus and combine various assessment styles/methodologies in order to suit the subject and levels of units contained within it. Learning outcomes are set at unit level and are achieved by following task based, oral assessments and online assessments.

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