Education
Learners record their experiences at college in a personal portfolio, including photographs and reflections as well as achievements in functional and vocational skills, work experience and personal targets. Additionally, staff provide a reference for learners, which evolves as they develop, that reflects the progress they have made and their areas for development. Both of these documents are then given to the learner once they complete their course to help them in their bid to gain employment.
Functional Skills
At Grow 19 all learners continue to work towards Functional Skills accreditation in Maths and English through the City and Guilds exam board. Tuition in these areas is personalised to the learner based on their entry point, accreditation they have gained previously and their specific strengths and weaknesses. We work in as practical and hands-on a way as possible to help learners embed skills and retain knowledge so that they are able to draw on it in the future – in life, not just in an exam.
Vocational Skills
Learners choose one of two strands when they enrol in the college: Construction and Horticulture or Catering and Hospitality. Each strand works towards City and Guilds accreditation. The level of qualification each learner achieves depends on their speed of work and the time a learner spends at the college. Tutors choose modules that reflect the learners’ interests and the topics and areas which are most relevant to the learners’ work experience and potential areas of future employment.
Life-skills and Employability
Many of our learners, as well as trying to find their way into work, are also taking steps towards independent living – in fact some are already living in supported or independent accommodation. As in all our curriculum areas, life skills provision is personalised to the learner. It might involve cooking and cleaning for some or budgeting and travel training for others.
Additionally, learners complete weekly Employability workshops, helping them to hone the soft skills required in the workplace; including time keeping, interpersonal and communication skills; as well as teaching them about the processes involved in seeking employment; such as how to find and apply for jobs and how to be successful in interview situations.
Careers learning
At Grow 19, our Careers Programme is designed to help learners explore their interests, develop your skills and prepare for your future. The programme is built around the Gatsby Career Benchmarks, which guide colleges in providing high-quality careers education, information, advice and guidance.
We celebrate what makes each learner unique. By getting to know learners strengths, passions and goals, we can help you find the right opportunities and support them on their journey into employment, independence or further learning.
How We Support Learners
Our careers and employability offer includes:
- Careers information, advice and guidance
- Work placements tailored to learner skills and interests
- Support with searching and applying for jobs
- Job coaching and employment support
- CV writing and help with covering letters
- Interview preparation and practice
- Access to careers resources
- Labour market information to explore local opportunities
- Tips and guidance for successful employment
- Access to therapies and interventions that support your wellbeing and readiness for work
Our aim is to help learners build confidence, gain real-world experience and take positive steps towards their future.
Our Careers Team is here to help you every step of the way.
