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Prospectus Learning & Skills

August 2020 - July 2021

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I TEl:S VALLEY MAYOR

Learning & Skills

2 01325 405601 • 07932 869325 • l&[email protected] • www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills

Learning & Skills

Welcome It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the 2020-21 version of Darlington Borough Council’s Learning & Skills service prospectus. Learning & Skills is a valuable and popular service in Darlington, ofering a wide choice of courses for people in our community.

Since last year’s prospectus was published, the world has changed considerably. While we are still coming to terms with the efects of the Covid19 pandemic, I am delighted that we’re still able to ofer a comprehensive programme for you. You can fnd out more information on page 27 about how COVID19 afected Learning & Skills, and how they changed the delivery ofer for the general public, partners and employers.

The team are here to help you with personalised and relevant information, advice and guidance so you can choose the right course. There is a focus on skills to help you gain employment or to upskill if already in the workplace, and they also welcome any feedback you may have about the other types of courses. You can contact the team on (01325) 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected] - they would love to hear from you.

Best wishes, stay safe.

Councillor Jon Clarke Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

Learning & Skills Service • Is committed to providing a quality service

• Works with people of all backgrounds

• Supports you in your aspirations

• Has knowledgeable and skilled teaching staf

• Provides quality information, advice and guidance

• Delivers courses in and around Darlington

• Has fantastic success rates

• Is judged ‘good ‘ by Ofsted

Learning & Skills @DarlingtonL_S Darlington L_S

Contents Choosing the Right Course 4

Contact and Enrolment 5

Learning for Interest 6

Family Learning 7

Intensive Support 8

Functional Skills, GCSEs and ESOL 9 (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Employability and Work Skills 10

Adult Education 11-12

Distance Learning 13

Apprenticeships 14-15

Diplomas 16

19+ Diplomas 17

Study Programmes 18

Employers’ Information 19-20

Success Stories 21

Testimonials 22

Our Venues 23

Student Discount Cards / Volunteering 24

Course Costs and Reduced Fees 25

Support for Learners / Information and Guidance 26

Google Suite Online Digital Classroom and Coronavirus 27

For full details of our courses please visit our website www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills

3

www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills


Choosing the Right Course

Contact us on 01325 405601 or

07932 869325

To help you decide which course will suit you, the following defnitions explain each level of study and will help you choose according to your existing level of knowledge and experience:

Pre Entry Level - This course is designed for those with no or very little basic skills and knowledge. The small class settings and additional support prepares the individuals to progress to Entry Level 1.

Entry level – Beginners, Introductory courses - Courses designed for those who wish to gain basic knowledge and skills. Qualifcations are ofered at Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3 in a range of subject areas including English and Maths.

Level 1 – Intermediate courses - Courses designed for those who may have studied or gained a qualifcation some time ago. These courses provide a foundation to progress to advanced courses. Equivalent to NVQ 1, GCSE grades 1 to 3.

Level 2 - Courses for those reasonably confdent in their skills and knowledge and want to learn, apply and interpret information about the subject or skill. Equivalent to NVQ 2, GCSE grades 4 to 9.

Level 3 - Courses for those who want to explore a subject in detail, with some independent research and refection of the subject. Equivalent to NVQ 3, AS/A2 Level.

Level 4/5 - Courses for learners who want an in-depth knowledge of current issues and how they apply to the wider environment. Equivalent to Professional Certifcates and Awards, Certifcate of Higher Education and Foundation Degree.

Term Dates Autumn Term Monday 3rd August 2020 to Friday 18th December 2020 (Half Term - Monday 26th October 2020 to Friday 30th October 2020)

Christmas Holidays – Monday 21st December 2020 to Friday 1st January 2021

Spring Term Monday 4th January 2021 to Friday 26th March 2021 (Half Term - Monday 15th February 2021 to Friday 19th February 2021)

Easter Holidays - Monday 29th March 2021 to Friday 9th April 2021

Summer Term Monday 12th April 2021 to Friday 16th July 2021 (Half Term – Monday 31st May 2021 to Friday 4th June 2021)

Learning & Skills @DarlingtonL_S Darlington L_S

Learning & Skills

Contact the Learning & Skills Team By phone O By phone or text By e-mail

01325 405601 07932 869325 l&[email protected]

Visit our website: www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills

Like and follow us online Follow us on Twitter @darlingtonl_s Follow us on Instagram darlingtonl_s

Like us on Facebook Learning and Skills

Enrolment Enrolments and bookings OUR OPENING TIMES ARE: can be made in 3 simple ways: Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm Phone or Text When you enrol you will need your Call us on 01325 405601 or text personal details (including address, date 07932 869325 of birth, telephone number, national

Email l&[email protected]

insurance number and information about any benefts you receive). You will need to provide a form of photographic ID

In person at for our accredited courses. Accepted ID The Coleridge Centre, includes a passport, a full or provisional Coleridge Gardens, drivers licence or an identity card with Darlington, your name and photograph on. DL1 5AJ

5


Learning for Interest Learning for Leisure courses are available for anyone who wishes to learn a new skill, develop a new passion or learn simply for fun. All our learning for leisure courses are very informal, fun and a great way to socialise and meet new people. The courses below are delivered in classroom settings with small groups and/or online learning.

Language Courses

French and German: We ofer French and German classes for absolute beginners for those who already have some knowledge of the language and business orientated French and German language courses for companies who trade in Europe and beyond.

Cake Decorating Courses

We host courses and workshops for budding bakers. Learn to decorate (and bake) a variety of cakes, biscuits and sweet treats for yourself, your family, dinner parties and other events.

ICT courses

Basic Internet: The basic internet course is suitable for learners who want to learn how to use internet browsers, conduct website searches, create favourites / bookmarks and ultimately learn how to stay safe online with our useful top tips. This course is suitable for those who have a basic grasp of using a PC and would like to surf online safely and with confdence.

Computers for Beginners: This course is suitable for learners with no or very little experience of using a computer and using the internet, but who would like to get started.

You will learn how to switch a computer on, how to access the internet, how to search the internet, creating and saving documents such as letters, using basic functions such as calculators, creating folders and lots more. It’s not as daunting as it sounds!

You can fnd all course and enrolment details on our

website


Family Learning Programmes available to parents, grandparents and carers to improve their ability to support their child’s learning and encourage families to work and learn together in a fun and safe environment. The courses below are delivered in classroom settings with small

Family Learning

courses are completely

free! groups and/or online learning.

• Helping In School (Level 2 Award) - This accredited course is for learners who are considering a career as a teaching assistant

• Parenting Skills (Level 1 Award) - This course is for those who are looking to gain a qualifcation to support their children. It will also help learners working towards volunteering in schools or as a progression to other child-related courses

• Family First Aid - This course is suitable for those who would like to improve their First Aid skills and create a safe environment in their home

• Work Ready Skills - This course is suitable for anyone who would like to improve their employability and job searching skills

• Confdence Building - A short course designed to help you get back in learning

• Fun with English/Fun with Numbers -Helping parents/carers/grandparents understand current methods used in school through fun games and activities

• Positive Parenting - Practical parenting tips to include dealing with behaviour issues, diferent stages of growth, children’s play and learning, accident prevention and health. The course is designed to focus on 0-5 years, 5-11 years and 11-16 years

• Play Talk - Ways to encourage language and communication skills of younger children

• Time for Books - Develop your child’s speech and encourage reading through games, activities, nursery rhymes, reading, phonics and more!

• Online Safety - This course is suitable for those who are looking to improve their online safety, recognise dangers and keep their families safe

• Family Health and Happiness - This course help you to deal with stress, promote self-esteem, create a happy home plus lots more!

All our courses are delivered online, in schools, children’s centres and other venues across Darlington.

We also ofer workshops and trails throughout the year. Children attending the workshops and trails must have an adult in attendance at all times.

Learning & Skills @DarlingtonL_S Darlington L_S 7

Intensive Support If you would like to get back into learning but you have lost your confdence and don’t know where to start, Intensive Support could be for you. The Intensive Support programme is unique whereby our tutors will work on a one to one basis with you in your home or in a community setting to support you back into learning.

We’ll help you: • Build confdence and self-esteem

• Improve your basic skills, including maths and English

• Join community learning classes

• Set future, positive goals

Professionals and Practitioners You can refer clients you are supporting to the Intensive Support programme at any point during the year. Referrals can be made by phone, email or post. We can also send you both the digital and hard copies of the referral form, to request this please email l&[email protected] or you can download the referral form from our website.

Referral Process You can refer yourself onto Intensive Support and referrals will also be accepted from professionals and practitioners. Referrals can be made by phone, email or post. You can fnd a referral form on our website.

If you would like further information please contact us on (01325) 405601, 07932 869325 or email l&[email protected]

Melvin Melvin joined us on our Intensive Support programme. He was anxious at frst when he joined, however, he quickly settled into the routine and in a relevantly short space of time he gained a huge amount of confdence which allowed him to progress quickly.

Melvin had made the brave decision to set a goal to gain qualifcations to help him get a job as a lifeguard. After an initial meeting, our tutor and Melvin agreed on a time and venue to meet regularly to work on his maths and English Skills.

Melvin’s understanding in both maths and English increased signifcantly, but it was really his confdence which has really grown!

If Melvin had not made the brave frst step in coming forward, then he would not be in the position he is now moving closer to his goal of becoming a lifeguard.


Functional Skills, GCSEs and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Functional Skills are the fundamental skills you need for your working and personal lives. We ofer Functional Skills courses to improve your skills and confdence in reading, writing, using numbers, and using computers. You will learn in a friendly and supportive environment and at pace to suit your needs. Functional skills can be used to improve your employment opportunities or to move up the ladder at work. Courses run throughout the academic year and you can sign up for a free initial assessment today! From Entry Level 1 all the way up to Level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE qualifcation) in all three subjects, we’re here to help you. The courses below are delivered in classroom settings with small groups and/or online learning. Further details can be found on our website.

Functional Skills Maths We can help you with the basics of maths from addition and subtraction to multiplication, division and times tables. You will work towards understanding decimals, percentages, fractions, money and time, measurement, areas, perimeter, volume, ratios and much more.

Functional Skills English We can help you with the basics of English with a particular focus on reading and writing, speaking and listening and punctuation and grammar. You will work towards understanding tenses and verbs and you will work on your spelling, proof reading, the use of apostrophes and commas, and much more.

Functional Skills ICT We can help you with the basics of ICT from using a mouse and a keyboard to looking at how a computer operates and the use of the Internet. You will work towards using Microsoft Ofce (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher), sending emails, saving fles, fle management, using databases, printing and much more.

Essential Digital Skills Approximately 4.3 million people in the UK lack the basic digital skills required for work, study or everyday life in general. You have the opportunity to develop and gain a qualifcation in:

• Using devices and handling information • Creating and editing

• Communicating • Transacting • Being safe and responsible

online

ESOL We ofer very basic ESOL courses,

Employers, universities and

colleges will generally expect you to have a GCSE maths and

English qualifcation

Functional Skills and

ESOL courses are free of

charge

from Entry Level 1 to Level 2, for those who speak very little English, and English is not their frst language. We have previous experience of using this course to help integrate Syrian refugees into the UK. If you know someone who may beneft from this course, please get in touch with us to discuss next steps. ESOL courses are free of charge, follow the same assessment procedure as Functional Skills above and classes run on various days, times and venues. Further details can be found on our website.

GCSEs We ofer GCSEs in maths and English only. These are delivered over one academic year, starting in September (subject to demand). Classes will take place once a week and you will also be required to complete study at home too. The courses are delivered in classroom settings with small groups and/or online learning. GCSEs are very intense, so your attendance and full commitment is vital. Each qualifcation is charged at £60 but this is fully refunded once you have completed the course.

Before attending a Functional Skills, ESOL or GCSE course you must complete an initial and diagnostic assessment to check your existing working level. Assessments are held online so access to an internet enabled device is essential. Assessments are held every Friday, 1pm-3pm at The Coleridge Centre (excluding school holidays and bank holidays).

You can book an assessment by calling (01325) 405601, calling or texting 07932 869325, emailing l&[email protected], messaging us through social media or by popping into the Coleridge Centre.


Employability and Work Skills We can help you gain vital employment skills to get you into work or to upskill you in your current employment. From Amazon to Arriva, local and national businesses, warehousing to retail and ofce work, we will work with you to get you the skills you need.

New Career, New You Do you want to improve your skills for gaining employment? The aim of the course is for you to improve confdence and work skills to ensure you have the best opportunity to be ready for work, which includes:

• Confdence building • Completing online forms for jobs

• Creating or updating your CV • Job applications and covering letters

• Digital job search • Improving your communication and presentation skills • Improving your interview skills

Level 1 and Level 2 Award in Volunteering This course will allow you both an insight into volunteering and also provide you with the knowledge you need to support you in building the skills needed to work within a volunteering role. The modules covered include: Exploring volunteering and ways to become a volunteer, building a personal career portfolio, communication, requirements for working in a volunteering role and more! These two courses are accredited, meaning you will receive a certifcate upon completion.

These courses are free of charge. Visit our website or call us for further

information

Level 1 and Level 2 Life Skills and Business Enterprise

Entry Level 1-Entry Level 3 Digital Employability

The Level 1 course provides Digital Employability is you with an understanding part of the Life Skills suite of the main aims of a new from OCR. This course is business, challenges you designed to help you with can face and how best to forging character, creativity, deal with these challenges. resilience, self-esteem and You will also understand the confdence. With its modern diference between products and engaging content, it is and services, and the designed to give you the resources required to ofer digital skills that will help them. For those who want to you apply for jobs in a 21st progress, the Level 2 course century environment. You’ll is designed for you to seek gain the knowledge to use the skills and knowledge IT in diferent contexts and needed to develop a using digital devices such business start-up. It will as laptops, tablets and give you an understanding smartphones. We’ll also show of the initial processes and you how to use the Internet requirements of a business efectively and safely, work start-up, knowledge of the with diferent tools and frst steps in creating a process data by allowing business start-up, including you to practise skills you the marketing, legal and may need to demonstrate fnancial requirements, and to employers. These courses an understanding of how to are accredited, meaning you write a business plan. These will receive a certifcate upon two courses are accredited, completion. meaning you will receive a certifcate upon completion.


Adult Education If you want to learn something diferent or improve your existing skills, then enrol on one of our courses. You can choose from a wide range of courses to gain a qualifcation, develop your career or enhance your employment prospects. The courses below are delivered in classroom settings with small groups and/or online learning.

Level 3 Award in Education and Training This course is perfect for you if you want to teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector or if you are a trainer or tutor who has no teaching qualifcations.

The course will give you an insight into:

• The roles and responsibilities of a teacher

• The role of the assessor

• Teaching methods and assessments

• Learning styles

• Establishing ground rules

• Embedding functional skills into lesson plans

• Legislation and codes of practice

• Inclusive learning and Equality & Diversity

The course involves completion of three assignments including a 30 minute micro teach delivery.

This course has a fee of

£350. Further details are

available on our website

Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance (TAQA) This course is right for you are either already assessing as part of an assessment team or wish to be involved in assessing and need a suitable qualifcation. You can take various routes (see below) and each is priced diferently. If you achieve all three units you will receive the Certifcate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, anything less than three units will result in an Award.

Unit 301 - Award in understanding the practices and principles of assessment. You complete this unit if you wish to gain knowledge and understanding of assessment but do not wish to carry out assessment of learners.

Unit 301 and 302 - Award in assessing occupational competence in the work environment. This award qualifes you to assess learners in their working environment.

Unit 301 and 303 - Award in assessing vocational skills, knowledge and understanding. This award qualifes you to assess learners in an educational/training workshop environment.

Further information can be found on our website.


Develop a deeper understanding of the key issues of working with children, young people, and families. Look at and have a deeper knowledge of issues faced and the role of a practitioner within this sector.

“The support I received from staff really shaped what I felt I was capable of and the work I was able to produce. The Learning & Skills Service was a vital part of

me getting the qualifications and experience I needed to get in to university to study criminology - couldn’t recommend them

highly enough”

Adult Education Working with Children, Young People and Families is a broad term to represent a number of courses we ofer in the feld of Social Work. Do you want to make a diference in the lives of children, young people and families? Children and young people are the future, working and support them is incredibly rewarding and a fantastic way to invest in their futures. The courses below are delivered in classroom settings with small groups and/or online learning.

Working with Children, Young People and Families Courses we ofer include:

• Working with Children and Young People Level 1 Develop an understanding of the services and sectors within childcare, develop your safeguarding knowledge and briefy touch upon substance misuse awareness (plus lots more!)

• Working with Children, Young People and Families Level 2

Access to Higher Education Diploma Level 3 This course is a natural progression route from the Working with Children, Young People and Families courses listed above and is ideal for those of you looking for a career change or to apply to university. We’ll help you achieve both a qualifcation in Social Work Studies and give you the confdence to move forward and progress to university and achieve your goals.

This course lasts just short of one academic year and may require you to apply for an advanced learning loan. You can fnd more details, including course specifc details plus enrolment information, on our website www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills.

This course will help you to

become a Social Worker

Substance Misuse Awareness Develop a knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of substance misuse – including drugs and alcohol – and its potential efects on individuals including physical and mental health, the efects on services such as the NHS, efects on relationships, the community and lots more. You can fnd more information on our website.

This course

is free of charge!



Distance Learning Distance learning is fexible as you are able to choose when and where you study. Studying by distance learning allows you to develop your career without having to worry about attending classes, childcare or making changes to your work. It also means that you can apply new knowledge and insights to your working life while you are still studying.

We have the following Distance Learning courses:

• Level 2 Certifcate in Equality and Diversity

• Level 2 Certifcate in The Principles of the Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care Settings

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines

• Level 2 Certifcate in Common Health Conditions

• Level 2 Certifcate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems

• Level 2 Certifcate in Principles of Dementia Care

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding the Care and Management of Diabetes

• Level 2 Certifcate in Principles of End of Life Care

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding Dignity and Safeguarding in Adult Health and Social Care

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding Autism

• Level 2 Certifcate in Information, Advice and Guidance

Distance Learning courses are free of charge and take place online. You will attend an online induction to formally enrol on the course, receive your deadlines and gain access to your class and resources. For the latest list of courses please visit our website www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

• Level 2 Certifcate in Falls Prevention Awareness

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent

• Level 2 Certifcate in Common Childhood illnesses

• Level 2 Certifcate in Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities

• Level 2 Certifcate in Counselling

• Level 2 Certifcate in Introduction to Neuroscience In Early Years

• Level 2 Certifcate in Understanding Specifc Learning Difculties


07932 869325

“Due to working full time, Distance Learning gave me the

flexibility and support I needed to complete my qualification away

from a classroom”



Apprenticeships If you are ready to commit to both work and study, then an Apprenticeship is for you. Apprenticeships allow you to gain practical real life experience, whilst studying a nationally recognised qualifcation and earning a wage. Apprenticeships have developed signifcantly over the years and there is now the opportunity to study Apprenticeship standards. Most employers will look for you to have a GCSE grade 4/C or above in maths and English, although it is not solely based on academic achievement and will ultimately be up to the employer. The delivery of the Apprenticeships difers a great deal, as does each Apprenticeship ofered. For more information please contact a Learning & Skills Adviser on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected] or visit our Apprenticeship website www.darlington.gov.uk/apprenticeships

Course Title Venue Duration You can Progress to…

Business Administrator Coleridge Centre 15-18 Business Administration Apprenticeship (Level 4) or Customer Apprenticeship (Level 3) months Service Specialist Apprenticeship (Level 3).

A career in an ofce as a supervisor or team leader in business administration.

Library, Information and Coleridge Centre 18 months A career in a library, archive, hospital and other commercial/ Archive Services Assistant ofce or information-based organisations such as law frms, Apprenticeship (Level 3) universities, schools, the media (e.g. broadcasting, journalism,

flm-making, social media).

Revenue and Welfare Coleridge Centre 12-18 A career as a Council Tax Ofcer, Business Rates Ofcer, and Benefts Practitioner Months Benefts Ofcer, Benefts Assessor, Welfare Ofcer, Revenues (Level 4) and Benefts Ofcer, Benefts Adviser or Welfare Support

Worker/Adviser.

Customer Service Coleridge Centre 12-15 Business Administrator Apprenticeship (Level 3) or Practitioner months Customer Service Specialist Apprenticeship (Level 3). Apprenticeship (Level 2) A career as a receptionist or call centre operative.

Customer Service Coleridge Centre 15-18 Business Administration Apprenticeship (Level 4) Specialist Apprenticeship months or FE/HE courses in Customer Service or Leadership and (Level 3) Management.

A career as a supervisor or team leader in customer service centre of reception.

Operations Departmental Eastbourne 30 - 36 Degree or FE/HE courses in Leadership and Management. Manager Apprenticeship Sports Complex months A career as a manager in a business environment that has (Level 5) operational and departmental responsibilities.

Carpentry and Joinery Unit 14/39, 18-24 Carpentry and Joinery Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3). Apprenticeship (Level 2) Flexspace, months A career as a site joiner with a building company.

Lingfeld Way

Advanced Carpentry and Unit 14/39, 12-15 Degree or FE/HE courses in construction/engineering. Joinery Apprenticeship Flexspace, months A career as a site joiner or site supervisor with a building (Level 3) Lingfeld Way company.

Autocare Technician Unit 2/38, 30 months Motor Vehicle and Service Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3). Apprenticeship (Level 2) Flexspace, A career as a fast-ft vehicle technician.

Lingfeld Way

Motor Vehicle and Service Unit 2/38, 36 months Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Diagnostics and Technician Apprenticeship Flexspace, Management Principles Level 4 or Operations Departmental (Level 3) Lingfeld Way Manager Apprenticeship Level 5. A career as a qualifed vehicle

technician, master technician, MOT tester, foreman.


www.darlington.gov.uk/apprenticeships


Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Coleridge Centre 18 months Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (Level 3) or Higher Level Teaching Assistant Qualifcation or FE/HE or Certifcate in Education or PGCE or a career as a teaching assistant in a school, teacher or tutor.

Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Coleridge Centre 18 months Degree or FE/HE courses in early years/playwork, Nursery Nursing or Child Studies or a career as a Nursery Nurse or Lead Nursery Practitioner.

Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 4)

Coleridge Centre 24 months A career as a youth worker or specialist support worker for children and young people.

Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Coleridge Centre 12-18 months

Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship (Level 3) or a career as a health care assistant or practitioner.

Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Coleridge Centre 18 months Degree or FE/HE courses in Health and Social Care, Nursing or Adult Care or a career as a lead health care assistant or supervisor.

Residential Care Worker Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Coleridge Centre 12-15 months

Degree or FE/HE courses in Health and Social Care, Nursing or Youth Work or a career as a lead residential care worker or supervisor.

Safety, Health and Environment Technician

Lingfeld Way 24 months Eligible to join the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMAA) or a career in the health and safety sector.

Why choose an Apprenticeship? 1. Earn while you learn 2. Work Experience - Enabling you to put theory

into practice

3. Support - Experienced tutors available to provide personalised support allowing you to succeed

4. Kick start your career - Giving you experience to progress in your chosen sector

5. Develop and learn new skills - Developing your confdence and enabling you to work with a range of diferent people


Diplomas Diplomas are ofered to 16-18 year olds in Business Administration, Customer Service, Health and Social Care, Site Joinery and Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

The course lasts an academic year and allows you to study the diferent aspects of your chosen area, whilst gaining a recognised Level 2 Diploma qualifcation, which can be used as part of an Apprenticeship or as a standalone qualifcation.

The course involves interactive lessons relevant to employment in your chosen area, as well some short work experience with a local business and the possibility of gaining industry qualifcations, such as a CSCS card or First Aid. The course will also enable you to develop your maths and English skills (if required) in order to support your progression.

Course Title Venue Duration

Motor Vehicle Unit 2/38, An academic year - Light Vehicle Flexspace, Minimum of 18hrs Maintenance Lingfeld Way per week Diploma (Level 2)

Liam’s Story Liam started with Learning & Skills in November 2015 on the Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship course. Liam worked extremely hard both in his work placement and in the training centre resulting in the Level 2 Apprenticeship being completed four months earlier than expected. During his Level 2 Apprenticeship Liam also achieved his Level 1 Functional Skills ICT qualifcation.

Liam was immediately signed onto the Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship course, whilst still working at Whessoe Road Auto Care. During the course Liam’s trainer, Graham Curry, stated “Liam continues to excel and is displaying all the skills and behaviours required to become a successful automotive technician”. Liam required Functional Skills Level 2 in English, maths and ICT qualifcations as part of the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Dedicated Functional Skills tutors worked with Liam to develop these skills to enable him to pass these elements. During the course Liam developed more in-depth motor vehicle knowledge, practical skills and diagnostic skills to become a more rounded automotive technician. Partially due to the dedication and motivation shown by Liam the Advanced Apprenticeship was completed, three months earlier than originally planned.

Liam has always held ambitions of working at a main dealer and these dreams came true, when he was employed at RMB Toyota as a Vehicle Service Technician on completion of his Level 3 Apprenticeship. He now wishes to complete the Toyota Technician training programme, become a Toyota Master Technician and also become an MOT tester in the future.

You can Progress to…

Autocare Technician Apprenticeship (level 2) or Motor Vehicle and Service Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) or a career as a mechanic in a garage or engineering.

Site Joinery Unit 14/39, An academic year Site Joinery Diploma Level 2 or Carpentry and Joinery Diploma (Level 1) Flexspace, Apprenticeship Level 2. Minimum of 18hrs

Lingfeld Way per week

Site Joinery Unit 14/39, An academic year Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship (Level 2) or Diploma (Level 2) Flexspace, a career as a site joiner with a building company or Minimum of 18hrs

Lingfeld Way handyman. per week

Early Years Coleridge An academic year Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (Level 3). Practitioner Centre Minimum of 18hrs Diploma (Level 2) per week

Customer Service Coleridge An academic year Business Administration Apprenticeship (Level 3) or Diploma (Level 2) Centre Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 2) or Minimum of 18hrs

a career as a receptionist or call centre operative. per week

Business Coleridge An academic year Business Administration Apprenticeship (Level 3) or Administration Centre Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 2) or Minimum of 18hrs Diploma (Level 2) a career as a receptionist or call centre operative. per week


19+ Diplomas 19+ Diplomas enable people aged 19+ to gain skills and experience in their chosen area, whilst studying towards a nationally recognised qualifcation. The course requires you to have a secured placement with a related employer for at least 16 hours per week as a lot of the evidence for the qualifcation is work based. All of the courses below incur a cost and this can be paid outright or the course can be funded via an Advanced Learning Loan. For more information please contact a Learning & Skills Adviser on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]


Business Coleridge 12-15 Degree level courses in Business Administration or Administration Centre months Leadership and Management courses or a career in an ofce Diploma (Level 4) as a Manager or team leader in business administration.

Early Years Educator Diploma (Level 3)

Coleridge Centre

15-18 months

Degree or FE/HE courses in early years/playwork, Nursery Nursing or Child Studies or a career as a Nursery Nurse or Lead Nursery Practitioner.

Support Teaching & Learning Diploma (Level 3)

Coleridge Centre

12 Months Relevant FE courses or job roles within the primary and secondary sector.

Early Years Educator Coleridge 12 Months Relevant FE courses or job roles within the early years Diploma (Level 3) Centre sector.

Residential Childcare Coleridge 12 Months Relevant FE courses or job roles within the residential Diploma (Level 3) Centre childcare sector.

Adult Care Diploma Coleridge 12 Months Level 4 Adult Care Diploma or relevant FE courses or job (Level 3) Centre roles within the adult social care sector.

Adult Care Diploma Coleridge 12 Months Level 5 Leadership and Management or relevant FE courses (Level 4) Centre or career development into specialised roles or further

career progression.

Visit our website darlington.gov.uk/ learningandskills


Study Programmes Study programmes are a range of courses for 16-18 year olds that enable them to develop their personal and employability skills in an environment that suits their way of learning. The course allows the young person to gain some real life work experience with an employer to increase their chances of gaining an Apprenticeship, employment or further education, whilst improving their maths and English results if required.

Courses range from entry level to level 2 and you can work towards an Award, Certifcate or Diploma in your chosen area, depending on your starting point and duration with us. All courses will be up to one academic year and you will receive free meals, bus tickets and could be eligible for further bursaries*.

*Subject to terms and conditions


Employability Various An academic year Apprenticeship or FE course in and Personal (depending on area of choice. Minimum of 18hrs per week Development programme) Employment or volunteering with Course length may vary depending on Course business. level, start date and achievement.

Customer Various An academic year Apprenticeship or FE course in Service (depending on area of choice. Minimum of 18hrs per week

programme) Employment or volunteering with Course length may vary depending on business. level, start date and achievement.

Work Skills and Various An academic year Apprenticeship or FE course in Life Skills (depending on area of choice. Minimum of 18hrs per week

programme) Employment or volunteering with Course length may vary depending on business. level, start date and achievement.


07932 869325


Employers’ Information Learning & Skills is looking for employers to work in partnership with, ofering high quality Apprenticeships and work experience placements to the people of Darlington and the surrounding area. This would be for people who are aged 16+ and will be looking to gain and develop the vital skills, behaviours and knowledge of the industry area that they want a career in.

We have an excellent track record of working alongside employers and supporting their businesses and would really like to support yours too.

Apprenticeships

Taking on an Apprentice is a fantastic way to develop your workforce and increase the productivity of your business, whilst not afecting your bottom line. An Apprenticeship is a genuine job which combines practical training in a job with study. The Apprentice will be aged 16+, be paid at least the National Minimum wage for Apprentices and have a contract of employment for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

The Apprentice will gain new experiences and develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours whilst in the workplace, alongside being supported from industry expert trainers through our training sites. Apprentices are just starting out their career and so are an enthusiastic and a valuable addition to your team. With grants of around £1,000* there is no better time to consider an Apprentice.

Chloe Pratt, (Allocations Support Assistant) said:

“My Level 3 Apprenticeship with Learning & Skills has helped me begin my career

pathway in Housing. Learning in the centre has allowed me to put my skills and knowledge into practice and I feel I have

been fully supported throughout.”

Ofsted stated: “Your apprenticeship programme develops very good technical and vocational skills, which adds value to employers’ businesses”

“Employers are confdent that the skills developed by apprentices add value to their businesses, such as the joinery sub-contractor who says he is two days ahead of schedule due to apprentices ftting skirting boards so skilfully.”

*subject to terms and conditions


Employers’ Information continued... Diploma Courses and Study Programmes

We are also looking for employers to support the Study Programmes and Diploma courses by enabling us to ofer short and long term work experience to young people aged 16 - 18. The work experience could be anything from one week to 12 months and it would enable the young person to gain vital skills and knowledge in their chosen area, as well as develop their work ethic and transferable skills.

The work experience would be for 16 - 18 year olds from a range of backgrounds who are trying to access further education, employment or an Apprenticeship. They

will have committed interest in their chosen area of work and will be supported by our training staf throughout their experience. Any specifc needs will be discussed at the outset, so that you can decide if the learner would be suitable for your business.

The work experience is on a voluntary basis with no cost to the placement, such as wages and PPE. This is the ideal way to trial a young person before progressing them onto an Apprenticeship, on completion of the Diploma course. For more information contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]



07932 869325

Success Stories

“I studied with Learning & Skills and now I am Workshop Controller at Northgate Vehicle Hire Company.”

Joe Jackson

“I studied with Learning & Skills and now manage the Apprentices employed by Hitachi.”

Caroline Towers

“I studied with Learning & Skills and now I am a BMW Tyre Specialist at Cooper BMW”

Jamie Webb


07932 869325

“I studied with Learning & Skills and now I am a Finance Officer at London Borough of Richmond.”

Sayema Uddin

“I studied with Learning & Skills and now I am a Business Support Officer at Darlington Borough Council”

Andy Mansfeld

“I studied with Learning & Skills and now I am a Project Coordinator at Hill Cross Furniture”

Lucy Steel


Testimonials

“Lovely friendly environment and you learn lots of things”

Matthew Jonas - Family Learning

“Learning & Skills tutors have been brilliant, I cannot fault them in anyway. They are

approachable and non-judgmental and help you achieve your goals. There is so much support available from them all the time”

Vanessa Rolls – Family Learning

“The Apprenticeship training has given me all of the knowledge and confdence that I need to progress

higher within my career. I have learned everything I need to know about Business Administration and feel as though my Apprenticeship

had opened many doors for myself”

Jack Doughty - Apprenticeship

“I enjoy coming to Learning & Skills, Tubwell Row. The tutors are very

supportive and have helped me with my studying. I look forward to joining the

Motor Vehicle Diploma course and then becoming an Apprentice”

Ayman Alammar – Study Programme

“I completed my Level 3 qualifcation in Education and Training. It boosted up my

confdence and gave me knowledge of the skills and qualities required to become a

successful teacher. Extra support throughout the course and invaluable feedback on lesson observations from the tutors played a key role

in my professional development”

Hina Fiaz – Level 3 Award in Education and Training

“Loved the dressmaking course, I have learned a lot of techniques and I feel more confdent using the machine. Very friendly

course, made new friends which is a bonus”

Marcia Downer - Dressmaking course


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Our Venues Coleridge Centre Coleridge Gardens Darlington DL1 5AJ

Darlington Library Crown Street Darlington DL1 1ND

Flexspace Lingfeld Way

Darlington

DL1 4QZ

Hummersknott Academy

Edinburgh Drive

Darlington

DL3 8AR

Learning & Skills at Tubwell Row The Old Museum

Tubwell Row

Darlington

DL1 1PD

We also run courses from other venues around Darlington. For full details visit our website - www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills



n!u AAAAENTICE

extra

Student Discount Cards Learning & Skills is now able to ofer the NUS Extra (TOTUM) card and the NUS Apprenticeship Extra card to our students. The cards bring you over 200 UK discounts and comes with a 1-year FREE International Student Identity Card (ISIC) on the reverse of the card, valid in over 130 countries worldwide and unlocking over 42,000 international discounts.

Many discounts are online so you can’t get them without your student card. To get the discount in-store show your student card at the till at participating retailers.

Big brands you can use your card with include Co-op, ASOS, Odeon, CrossCountry, Dominos and many, many more. The ISIC card also grants extra discounts on fights, hotels and hostels. A full list of retailers is available on the NUS Extra/TOTUM and ISIC websites.

To apply for the NUS Extra/TOTUM or the NUS Extra Apprentice Card (including ISIC) please visit the Business Support team or send an email to l&[email protected]

Volunteering Become a volunteer with Learning & Skills and you could help to turn someone’s life around.

Learning & Skills values the huge contribution that volunteers can make supporting in the classroom. As a volunteer you will be an integral member of staf and we will support you on your own learning journey. A number of volunteers have progressed to secure paid employment, gained recognised skills and achieved certifed qualifcations.

Volunteering with Learning & Skills can give you a worthwhile experience, increase your self-confdence and provide the opportunity to learn new skills in a friendly and welcoming environment.

If you want to volunteer and support young people and adults to learn, we are looking for:

• Learning support with reading, writing and maths

• Community Learning Champions to help promote the benefts of lifelong learning within your local community

You will need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and be willing to complete Safeguarding training.

To fnd out more please call Learning & Skills today.


Course Costs and Reduced Fees Full Fees (including enrolment and tuition fees): £3.00 per hour Accredited Learning: Full accreditation fee (if applicable) - if the course has a qualifcation there will be additional fees to pay for registration and certifcation.

No fees will be charged for publicly subsidised courses where: 1. Learners are aged 16-18 (on 31st August 2020) 2. Learners are aged 19-24 (on 31st August 2020) with a learning difculty and / or disability

as evidenced through an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan or Learning Difculty Assessment (LDA)

3. Learners are aged 19 or older where the learning aim is up to and including level 2, and the learner is studying English or Maths delivered as a qualifcation required as part of the legal entitlements

4. Learners are aged 19-23 (on their frst day of study) and are studying their frst ‘full’ level 2 or frst ‘full’ level 3, excludes English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) delivered as a qualifcation required as part of the legal entitlements

5. Learners are aged 19 or older where the learning aim is up to and including level 2 (including ESOL), the skills training will help them into work, and the learner is classed as unemployed and one or more of the following apply: a. They receive Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) - this includes those receiving National

Insurance credits only, or b. They receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or the learner is in the work-

related activity group (WRAG), or c. They receive Universal Credit, and their earned income from employment (disregarding

benefts) is less than £338 a month (learner is a sole adult in their beneft claim) or £541 per month (learner has a joint beneft claim with their partner)

d. They are released on temporary licence, studying outside a prison environment, and not funded by the Ministry of Justice.

6. Learners are aged 19 or older where the learning aim is up to and including level 2 (including ESOL), they are employed and eligible for co-funding but earn less than £17,004.00 gross salary, based on the Social Mobility Commission’s low pay threshold of £8.25 (hourly rate in 2017) and on the assumption of a 37.5 hour contract with paid statutory holiday entitlement. Evidence to be seen: A wage slip within 3 months of the learning start date, or a current employment contract which states gross monthly/annual wages

7. Learners aged 19-24 who are unemployed and on a Traineeship

Courses with no public subsidy: For learners aged 19 or above and where the learning aim is level 3 or above (expect for exclusion above), learners will need to take out an Advanced Learning Loan, subject to funding availability. Further details can be found at: www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans Asylum Seekers - individuals will be assessed for eligibility in conjunction with SFA guidance Special fees - some courses have special fees, cost on application FE course - NVQ etc price on application

The following courses are free: Family Learning, Functional Skills, Study Programme and courses which are funded through external projects. Additional Learning Support (ALS) is intended to enable disadvantaged learners to achieve their learning goal by providing funding, on top of programme funds, to help them overcome their barriers to learning. The funding is intended to be fexible and to help support learners who have a range of learning difculties and / or disabilities.


www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans

https://17,004.00

Support for Learners We encourage all learners to let us know about any support needs you may have so we can make the transition to your new course as smooth as possible. We ofer a wide range of support including:

• Small group tuition • One-to-one support • Support with organisational skills, study techniques and

memory recall skills • Mentoring • Specialist equipment such as hearing loop and computer

readers • Large print materials • Special arrangements for examinations • Assistance if you have medical needs, a physical

disability, sensory impairment, or emotional and mental health difculties

Information and Guidance

If you are working towards a qualifcation and get a work-related beneft you may qualify for help with:

• Examination fees • Transport • Childcare • Additional course costs


07932 869325

We ofer impartial advice and guidance to all. We can help with:

• Advice on courses delivered by us and other providers

• Transition support from school

• Job search and interview • Courses to improve your skills career prospects

• CV preparation • Careers advice

• Advice on improving • Progression from your your skills, qualifcations current course and employability


Google Suite Online Digital Classroom We’ve gone digital!

As part of our commitment to make learning and teaching more digital we will introduce you to exciting tools within the Google for Education Suite when you enrol on certain courses. This means moving some of our classes away from a classroom setting and making them digital. Applications such as Google Classroom, Google Docs, YouTube, and Google Meet will help develop your technical skills and in addition provide a new online gateway between you, your classmates and your Tutor. Don’t worry, we’ll be there every step of the way to help you get online and guide you through learning digitally.

HOLEX (the lead professional body for Adult Community Education and Learning) recently undertook a survey of Adult Community Enterprise providers across the UK which showed that at the start of April 2020, only 6% of providers had moved to 100% online following lockdown and we are proud to be part of that 6%.

Coronavirus How COVID-19 changed the way we operate

As a result of Coronavirus, as mentioned above, we’re now able to focus on online, digital delivery of a wide range of our courses. Where we do need to run physical face to face classes, we assure you that class sizes will be kept to a minimum number to ensure social distancing and a safe working environment for staf and learners. For your safety and peace of mind all ‘touch points’, seating areas and toilets will be cleaned frequently.


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DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

Learning & Skills

An inclusive approach If English is not your frst language and you would like more information about this document, or if you require information in large print or Braille, please contact 01325 405601.

Urdu 01325 405601

Punjabi 01325 405601

Hindi 01325 405601

Cantonese 01325 405601

Bengali 01325 405601

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Polish

This document will be made available on request in Braille or large print.

Learning & Skills Disclaimer Please note that course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change due to a range of factors such as resources or timetabling constraints, staf changes, programme developments or changes to the costs of accreditation.

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Learning & Skills...tips to include dealing with behaviour issues, diferent stages of growth, children’s play and learning, accident prevention and health. The course is designed