Learners

We fully support the concept of lifelong learning and the recognised benefits of keeping up with changes in business, greater job opportunities, and enrichment that it brings. With our provision of apprenticeships, short courses and qualifications that's exactly what we can deliver.

Learning as an adult is very different to learning at school and you'll find the collaborative approach, tailored to your needs, quite refreshing. Our focus is on ensuring that you can achieve and progress within your career, whether you are just starting out or you are looking for promotion within your sector. We are also Matix accredited and can therefore provide high quality career advice and guidance - you can read about our policy on information, advice and guidance here.

You can gain the vital skills needed to find work and and progress your career through an apprenticeship, or use the Government's Advanced Learner Loan scheme to complete a qualification.

Unsure of your next step?

If you are unsure of the best pathway for you and wish to talk to us, then please get in contact.

Advanced Learner Loans

We are approved to administer these loans for people who are 19 or older on the first day of their course. The course must be for a Level 3, 4, 5 or 6 qualification, for example, an A Level or graduate certificate.

Please contact us for further information.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are available for people aged 16 and over. Apprenticeships can only be completed in work. They are suitable for people who are new to the job, or for people to upskill within the workplace.

They are designed by industry to support people within work to gain the skills that are needed to do the job. They can last from 12 months to 4 years, and complete once the End Point Assessment (EPA) is completed and achieved.They start at an equivalent to GSCE level (Level 2) and progress through to degree levels (Levels 6/7).

Skills Bootcamps

There are two types of skills bootcamps - learner led, and employer led. Whichever type you attend, there are common themes that run through them:

  • You must be over-19
  • You do not need to study maths and English
  • The courses last for a maximum of 16 weeks, and you attend for at least 60 hours (100 hours for digital courses) over that period.
  • They are about learning new skills and knowledge, in line with what local employers are looking for.

The learner-led courses are designed to give you the skills and knowledge to help you find work in a particular sector, for example, our Introduction to Catering aims to assist attendees improve their chances of a job in the hospitality and catering industry.

Employer-led courses are specifically designed with the needs of a particular employer (or group of employers), and aim to upskill their workforce.