Leicester Work Programme

Looking to support you in a work environment, this course aims to support young people with learning disabilities develop the skills needed to become a valued employee. You will also work towards further improving your maths and English skills, linking it to the importance of how it is used in the workplace. We offer supported work placements in a variety of settings, some of our placements are with: retail, charity shops, coffee shops, farm work and gardening. You will be assigned a trainer assessor who will support you on your placement to refine the skills required, problem solve, work as part of a team and communicate effectively.

You will spend most of your time within supported work placements outside of the college campus, learning essential skills needed to progress in the workplace. You will further develop your maths and English at Functional Skills level, with the opportunity to bridge any gaps in learning within our college campus. During your time on the course, you will enhance your CV and explore what it is really like to have a job. You will get support from the employer whilst on placement and be supported by a trainer assessor. You will have regular opportunities to meet with your Learning Coach to discuss additional support and development needs. You will spend most of your time within supported work placements outside of the college campus, learning essential skills needed to progress in the workplace. You will further develop your maths and English at Functional Skills level, with the opportunity to bridge any gaps in learning within our college campus. During your time on the course, you will enhance your CV and explore what it is really like to have a job. You will get support from the employer whilst on placement and be supported by a trainer assessor. You will have regular opportunities to meet with your Learning Coach to discuss additional support and development needs.

There is no formal assessment criteria, a review of your work placement booklet, a discussion based around your reference and how to use this to support your future career aspirations and careers guidance and sign posting are all incorporated within this final review. You will also set targets which will be reviewed at set points throughout the academic year.

There are no formal entry requirements, but you must show a commitment to work and be prepared to undertake travel training if you do not already travel independently. At your interview, you will need to show that you can achieve 90% attendance.

We aim to develop and enhance skills required for the working environment; improve your confidence and motivation, improve your communication skills and personal effectiveness. At the end of the course it is expected that you will progress to work, voluntary work or access careers support or other services offered by agencies such as Job Centre Plus, Connexions and Access to Work.