The course aims to develop the students’ understanding of the vocational opportunities available to them, the tasks and the health and safety issues involved in such vocational areas. This is a central element of the programme as the college is aware that a successful placement must engage the individual student by being of interest to them.

The students are able to access a work placement in any area that interests them, the college has built an excellent reputation in the area for work experience and the feedback from small local and large well-known businesses is exceptional.

The college is aiming to meet the central message of the Adult Learning Inspectorate report “Greater Expectations” that states: “People with learning difficulties and disabilities are also needed, as vitally important contributors to the world of work and the fulfilment of the national skills strategy: for their own benefit and that of our nation”.

Overview:

The course begins with a number of class based sessions. These sessions focus, where appropriate, firstly, on the reasons for work experience and for entering into employment. This is important as it is beneficial for those students who can comprehend the concept of employment to know why they are going onto work experience so that they can see the benefits to them which in turn will help the student to be motivated and engaged with the course.

Objectives:

The course aims to develop the students’ understanding of the vocational opportunities available to them, the tasks and the health and safety issues involved in such vocational areas. This is a central element of the programme as the college is aware that a successful placement must engage the individual student by being of interest to them.

Anticipated Outcomes

• Whilst undertaking the course students will have enhanced their understanding and experience of the world of work

• They will access the community and workplace independently if appropriate

• They will have grown in self confidence and self-esteem.

• To develop the students’ understanding of the activities that are likely to be undertaken during the workplace sessions.
  
  

To develop the students’ understanding of the health and safety rules and precautions they need to be aware of whilst attending the placement.

Embedded Functional Skills

Functional skills is integral to the world of work. Numeracy, literacy and communication take place in all the work placements and the student will work towards their individual goals accordingly.

Equality and Diversity and Every Child Matters

The work experience programme fulfils 19 of the 28 categories of Every Child Matters.

To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our students are recognised and valued.

• Every student is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.

• Training, development and progression opportunities are available to all students.

• Employers must make reasonable adjustments to enable disabled workers to give of their best in the workplace.

Accreditation:

The students are working towards in-house certification focusing on the development of employment skills in their chosen environment.

At the end of each term the students are awarded a certificate detailing where they have worked and which employment skills they were able to show consistently throughout their placement .

As the qualification is an internal award the course meets the aims and objectives of the government’s Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement (RARPA) requirements.