College enhances Access programme

Sunday 04 October 2020

The College of Further Education has updated its Access programme, to make sure students with special educational needs can develop the skills they need to find a job at their end of their course.

The programme has been divided into four different sections: Life Skills, Progression, Step Up and Workforce Academy.

The Life Skills pathway is for students who would benefit from working on their practical skills in the home and in the community. Each week they will engage in activities like swimming at Beau Sejour, walks in the park and sailing. The course aims to support the students in transitioning to adult services and other community agencies.

The Progression pathway has been designed to support personal development and exploration of the workplace. The group will learn how to develop their independence, tefl-awareness and personal direction of growth in regards to work placements and health living choices. The course will feed into either Workforce Academy or Set Up.

Pictured: The programmes are run by the College of Further Education. 

The Step Up pathway will include students who are considering a Progress to Level One option, and will prepare them for further study at that level. It will also offer work placement experience for those who are interested in pursuing employment in a vocational setting.

Finally, the Workforce Academy pathway will support students aged 16 to 22 in undertaking work placements in meaningful employment three days per week. They will spend the remaining two days at the college, studying for an Entry Level Three qualification in Retail, Hospitality and Catering.

"My workplace is amazing, I really enjoy working with Ellie, washing and drying up and putting things away," said student Alex Houchard. "I cook chips and make pizzas for the customers and sometimes for my lunch."

At the moment, the students on the Workforce Academy are enjoying placements at States Works' landscaping department, Les Cotils, Chateau des Tielles care home, the College's own campus cafes, Elizabeth College, GROW Ltd and Creature Comforts.

Pictured: Erin Brouard completing her work placement.

"I have worked at the college cafe for a year now, learning how to be a catering assistant," said student Nathan Allen. "I'm now helping to train other students who are new to the cafes."

Fellow student Erin Brouard added: "I absolutely love working at the Chateau des Tielles. It's so fun. I made tea and coffee and even helped feed someone who couldn't do it for themselves. On Friday I will be playing games with the residents and talking to them."

The course runs for 36 weeks, and the college hopes the majority of students will progress to employment at the end of the academic year.

"The review of our study programme has enabled us to fully match a student's individual ability and potential to the appropriate learning pathway," said Programme Leader for the College of FE Access programme, Sue Lambeth.

"It is essential that the skills and knowledge that our students develop fully equip them to enter employment and to lead as independent a life as possible."

Any employers who are interested in getting involved with the programme can do so by contacting Tristan Bearman at tristanb@gcfe.net.

Pictured top: Erin Brouard and Alex Houchard.