Our more advanced training is a further progression from basic engagement programmes or a suitable entry point for those who are already strongly motivated to learn. Whilst approachability remains a factor, the focus is on building up qualifications and breaking down the perceived barriers to eventual entry into employment.

These courses demand a bigger commitment from participants but in turn offer more advanced qualifications and real-world opportunities for work based learning. Support from our partners allows us to include sessions run by guest presenters and tours around nearby offices, creating a real emphasis on building confidence and soft skills. These courses are often the biggest opportunities for volunteers and some of our corporate partners to give hands-on support to our work and have a transformational impact on the individuals we work with.

We teach topics as broad as IT, media, sports coaching, business administration, customer service, childcare, literacy, numeracy and healthy living. To help build up our clients’ CVs we put a strong focus on accredited learning and include several examinable qualifications in most of our courses; we also work hard to maintain the quality of our teaching and advice services to meet external standards. We aim to see everyone who finishes our training courses in a position where they would be able to progress into work.
Joe Lowther, Programmes & Progression Manager

Working in Partnership:
Young people on the Export course have been supported by volunteers from more than a dozen firms.