Skills for Work

Blackburn College

Skills for Work

On average, 59% of students who access Skills for Work courses move into employment.

Computers Don’t Byte!

Who is the course available for: Available for customers in receipt of active benefits

How long is the course: 15 hours a week for 3 weeksHow often does the course run: Every 3 to 4 weeks

Overview: This course will help you to develop some basic IT skills. You will learn how to; access the internet and Microsoft Word, set up an email account, create a CV using the computer, send an email with a CV attachment and develop a UJM account. You will also spend time developing interview and job search techniques.

Is this course for me?• Do you find computers a scary thought?• Do you have little or no experience of using a computer?• Do you need to learn how to attach your CV to an email?• Do you need help finding your way around Universal Jobmatch?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving an Entry level 3 ICT Award.

Computers Don’t Byte - 50+

Who is the course available for: Available for people in receipt of active benefits

How long is the course: 15 hours a week for 3 weeksHow often does the course run: Every 3 to 4 weeks

Overview: This course will help you to develop some basic IT skills. You will learn how to; access the internet and Microsoft Word, set up an email account, create a CV using the computer, send an email with a CV attachment and develop a UJM account. You will also spend time developing interview and job search techniques.

Is this course for me?• Do you find computers a scary thought?• Do you have little or no experience of using a computer?• Do you need to learn how to attach your CV to an email?• Do you need help finding your way around Universal Jobmatch?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?• Would you benefit from being in a class with people of a similar age and

level?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving an Entry level 3 ICT Award.

02 For more information: Call: 01254 292277

IT Level 1


How long is the course: 15 hours a week for 3 weeksHow often does the course run: Every 4 weeks

Overview: This course is aimed at people who have some basic knowledge of IT packages. You will develop your IT skills, covering units on Spreadsheets, Word Processing and PowerPoint. Before completing the IT course you will be required to complete the Essential CV Workshop.

Is this course for me?• Do you already have some ICT skills but want to up skill?• Do you have the ICT skills but need the certificate to prove it?• Are you looking to go into a job where an understanding of Microsoft

packages is needed?• Do you have a basic knowledge of Microsoft packages?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving a Level 1 ITQ Award.

Essential CV Workshop


How long is the course: 15 hours a week for one week (2.5 days)How often does the course run: Every week

Overview: This is a short course aimed to help you improve your approach to creating a CV and covering letter, which will help you to secure an interview.There will also be time spent exploring how to use UJM effectively. You will spend time working with the Employment Co-ordinators once your CV is complete and they will support you in finding employment. This course is ideal for new claimants.

Is this course for me?• Do you need help creating or improving your CV?• Do you need help with application forms and covering letters?• Do you need help creating a UJM account?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve?You will work towards achieving a Level 1 unit certificate Using a CV and covering letter to apply for a job.

Visit: www.blackburn.ac.uk 03

Introduction to Health & Safety


How long is the course: 15 hours a week for two weeksHow often does the course run: Every 3 to 4 weeks

Overview: This course is aimed at people who want to develop their knowledge of health and safety in the workplace. The course has a particular focus on health and safety in the construction/manufacturing industries and covers all the knowledge needed to pass the CSCS Green card test. Both the cost of the test entry and the CSCS card itself will be funded by Blackburn College. Before starting the health and safety course, you will be required to complete the CV Workshop course.

Is this course for me?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?• Do you need a CSCS card?• Are you struggling to pay for the CSCS test and card?• Do you want to develop your knowledge of health and safety in the

workplace?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards the CSCS health and safety test, a 40hour, Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, which is now a mandatory requirement of the CSCS Green card and a level 1 Award in Personal and Social Development.

The Beacon Centre at Blackburn College


Introduction to Customer Service


How long is the course: 15 hours a week for four weeksHow often does the course run: Every 3 to 4 weeks

Overview: This course will give you an introduction to working in the customer service sector. You will learn about the customer service experience, how to communicate with customers, the types of roles available and legislation. Customer service is involved in most jobs and this course will help you to learn how to communicate effectively with others over the telephone and face to face. Before starting the customer service course you will be required to complete the Essential CV Workshop.

Is this course for me?• Are you applying for customer service jobs?• Do you have customer service experience, but need the qualification to

support it?• Do you want to find out more about what customer service can involve?• Do you enjoy helping people and working with the public?• Do you struggle communicating effectively with others?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving a Level 1 Award for Introduction to Customer Service.

The Beacon Centre at Blackburn College Fantastic facilities available


Introduction to Catering


How long is the course: 15 hours a week for three weeksHow often does the course run: Every 3 to 4 weeks

Overview: This is a practical course, where you will gain experience of working in a kitchen, preparing and cooking food. You will also learn about health and safety and the theory behind working in the catering industry, whilst working towards a food safety certificate. Before completing the catering course you will be required to complete the Essential CV Workshop.

Is this course for me?• Do you have an interest in cooking and working in a kitchen?• Have you been applying for catering jobs but need a food safety qualification?• Have you been applying for catering jobs but need some practical experience

to support your applications?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving Level 2 unit certificates in Preparing food and Cooking and either a Level 1 or 2 Food Safety certificate.


Introduction to Health & Social Care



Overview: This course will give you an idea of what it is like to work in the care sector, including an overview of what roles and responsibilities are involved. You will learn about all the key areas, such as person centred care, infection control and first aid. This is a practical course, which is recognised by employers as the first step into the industry. Before completing the care course you will be required to complete the Essential CV Workshop.

Is this course for me?• Are you looking for a career in the care sector?• Would you like to know more about what working in the care sector involves?• Are you a caring person who enjoys helping others?• Have you cared for a friend or relative before and could use this experience to

start a career in the care sector? • Are you looking to achieve a First Aid at Work certificate?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving a level 1 unit certificate, Awareness of the Roles and Responsibilities of the Adult Social Care Worker and an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate.


Introduction to Business Administration



Overview: This course will give you an introduction to working as an administrator. You will have the opportunity to develop practical administration skills. You will learn about job opportunities within business administration and how to behave professionally in a business environment. Before completing the Business Administration course you will be required to complete the Essential CV Workshop.

This course touches on IT but does not cover IT software in-depth. For people interested in developing their knowledge of Microsoft Packages, the Level 1 IT course is more appropriate.

Is this course for me?• Do you have an interest in administration work?• Are you looking for administration jobs?• Are you an organised and efficient person?• Do you need to develop your administration skills?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving a Level 1 Award in Business Administration.


Springboard

Who is the course available for: Available for 19-25 year olds in receipt of active benefits


Overview: The course will give you the motivation and direction you need to find employment. If you can show the team during the four weeks that you deserve a chance we will support you to secure a Traineeship, Apprenticeship or Employment. This short course covers how to search and apply for work effectively, how to prepare for and perform well in an interview and how to create a CV, which will help you to secure employment. You will also develop an understanding of employer expectations and workplace values and practices.

Is this course for me?• Are you between the ages of 19 and 25?• Are you looking for a course which will give you motivation and direction?• Are you interested in exploring Apprenticeships/Traineeships and job

opportunities?• Do you need help with your CV, job applications and interviews?• Do you need someone to help you find an Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving a level 1 Award in Work Skills.

Springboard 25+



Overview: This course will give you the motivation and direction you need to find employment. You will develop the confidence to attend interviews and market yourself to employers. You will go through an intensive interview preparation week, where you will be interviewed by different people, but at the end of it you will have the confidence to face any job interview! You will assess yourself for work and explore options you may not have previously considered. The team will help you to apply for jobs and work experience opportunities if you can demonstrate your commitment during the four weeks.

Is this course for me?• Are you over the age of 25?• Are you lacking motivation and direction?• Do you need help to explore different employment options?• Do you need support to find some work experience?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards a Level 1 Award in Employability Skills.


The Skills for Work Staff

Marketing Yourself to Employers


How long is the course: 5 days, Mon - Fri, 10am - 3pmHow often does the course run: Every 3 weeks

Overview: This short course is aimed at people between the age of 19 and 25. It is designed to boost confidence and motivation and inspire people with new ways of looking and applying for a job by exploring the hidden jobs market. It is a practical course with lots of mock interview practice. Attending an interview after this five day course will be a walk in the park!

Is this course for me?• Do you find it difficult promoting yourself at an interview?• Do you freeze at interview and don’t know what to say?• Would you like to have the confidence and ability to directly approach

employers?• Do you need some help to identify the strengths and abilities, which make

you stand out against others?• Are you in receipt of active benefits?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards a Level 1 unit certificate in Interview Skills.

First Step to Success - ESA / JSA

Who is the course available for: Available for people in receipt of ESA or JSA

How long is the course: 9 hours a week for 4 weeks - afternoonsHow often does the course run: Every 8 weeks

Overview: In a small group this course will help you to build your confidence and self esteem and it will help you to look at ways to overcome some of the problems you may be facing. The course will help you to put an action plan in place and take small steps to achieving your short term goals.

Is this course for me?• Do you struggle with confidence?• Do you feel anxious and scared around people you don’t know?• Do you struggle to find time for yourself?• Do you want to start feeling better about yourself?• Are you in receipt of ESA (WRAG?) or JSA?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving a level 1 award in Personal and Social development.


First Step to Success – Lone Parent

Who is the course available for: Available for lone parents in receipt of JSA and Income Support

How long is the course: 4 days a week for 3 weeks between the hours of 10am - 2pmHow often does the course run: Every 3 to 4 weeks

Overview: This course will help to build your confidence and self-esteem. It will help you to put a plan in place for finding employment, addressing some of the difficulties you may be experiencing such as childcare, time management, money management and finding suitable employment, which fits around your other commitments.

Is this course for me?• Are you a lone parent looking to get back into work?• Is childcare a barrier to you securing employment?• Is it difficult for you to participate in any training due to the restriction of

school hours?• Does your confidence need a boost?• Do you need help creating a CV, which demonstrates all your skills?• Are you in receipt of JSA or Income Support?

What qualification will you achieve? You will work towards achieving a level 1 Award in Personal and Social Development.

Literacy/Numeracy & ESOL


How long is the course: Courses up to 8 weeks between 12 & 15 hours a week.

Overview: ESOL courses available from Pre-Entry levelthrough to Entry level 3. Literacy and Numeracy courses available from Pre-Entry level through to level 2.

Is this course for me?• Are you in receipt of active benefits • Do you need support with maths?• Do you need support with either written or spoken English?

Apprenticeship Information Sessions:We also offer Apprenticeship Information sessions, for those wanting to find out more about Apprenticeship opportunities and what is involved. Please ask your advisor for the date of the next information session.


Essential Information

• Courses are free for those in receipt of active benefits.

• Please contact Blackburn College on 01254 292277 / 292382 for more information

• To arrange an initial assessment for all courses other than Literacy/Numeracy and ESOL please call 01254 292277 / 292382

• To arrange an initial assessment for Literacy/Numeracy/ESOL please call 01254 292582.

Employment Co-ordinators

The Skills for Work team have two dedicated Employment Co-ordinators who will work with you to secure interviews and work trials for local job opportunities.

They are on hand before, during and after training sessions to work with you on a one to one basis, to prepare you for interviews and support you with job applications. The Employment Co-ordinators have an excellent record of moving people into work and are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Blackburn College offer both Traineeships and Apprenticeships across the different sectors, with on-going start dates throughout the year. For more information please ask contact Lucy Simpson or Paul Snape on 01254 292382 / 01254 292514.


Zetoon SultanaComputers Don’t Byte

Zetoon had little experience of using computers and was very nervous when she joined the Computers

Don’t Byte course. Zetoon felt welcomed by the tutors and they helped her to gain confidence in herself and her use of computers.

Zetoon had never worked before and with the help of the Employment Co-

ordinator Paul Snape she managed to find fulltime employment with

CRG Recruitment.

“When I was asked if I wanted to go back to college and learn about

the fundamentals of IT, I was apprehensive and scared – but by

the time I had finished the first lesson, all those worries had gone. I

really enjoyed the course and having the chance to meet new people – it gave me a real boost in confidence. I would recommend this course to

everyone, not only for the skills you will acquire but to give you better

prospects for the future.”

Our success stories

Massimo PageMarketing yourself to

employers

Massimo signed up to a 3 day course at Blackburn College to help him

sell himself to employers and it did the job, after he managed to secure himself an interview with a crafts

suppliers in Darwen, and then aced the interview with a job offer the

same day!

“I have had interviews in the past but had no luck getting the jobs. After 3 days of learning new interview

techniques, building a new CV and getting help with my confidence, I managed to get a job straight away.

I would definitely recommend the course. The tutor was really

enthusiastic and encouraging, and even made the course fun.”


Joanne PeggIT Level 1

Joanne completed her Level 1 IT course, which is aimed at improving

and developing the skills and confidence of people who either

didn’t have the necessary skills in IT or the confidence in their abilities. Joanne’s confidence in her own IT

abilities grew massively throughout the duration of the course and she has now progressed by securing a

job working at Capita TV Licencing.

“The course and tutors have helped to make me more confident with

my IT skills and I now have a greater understanding of Microsoft Excel, whch was an area I was struggling

with before the course.I found the employment co-

ordinators and the job centre to be very helpful and encouraging

throughout the course, and gave me excellent advice and guidance when

going to interviews.”


Kieran MackSpringboard

During his time on the Springboard course Kieran was given the

opportunity to attend interviews at College with various employers,

which the Employment Co-ordinators arranged. As a result

of one of these interviews, Kieran secured employment with Stadium

TM. He recently spent 14 days at the Commonwealth Games in

Edinburgh.

“I was over the moon when Stadium TM allowed me the opportunity to

work at the Commonwealth Games - it was an overwhelming experience.

The Springboard course really helped me with my confidence. I felt down before the course as I couldn’t secure a job but was looking forward to trying something new. The tutors were really helpful and boosted my

confidence – I can’t thank them enough.”

Damian TaylorIntroduction to Health and

Safety

Damian was referred by his Jobcentre advisor to the Health and Safety course as he wanted to obtain a CSCS card. As a result of the course and Blackburn College paying for his CSCS card, Damian was able to find work in the construction industry.

He is now working for Logics in Preston.

“With the college helping me by providing my CSCS card, it gave me the opportunity to go out to

construction companies and apply for jobs – and I was successful in

finding a job that I love. The tutors in college were excellent at helping me throughout my search for a job, including support with my CV and covering letter. They helped me to

identify and apply for lots of jobs and I learnt a lot from them by widening

my job search.”

Michael DixonIntroduction to Catering

Michael was out of work before he saw the Introduction to the Catering

Industry course at the Job Centre. On the course he learnt about

hygiene, food safety and all about different kinds of food. He got a Food

Hygiene certificate which he says was one of the reasons he got the job as a second chef at the Spread Eagle

in Mellor.

“I asked Job Centre Plus if I could go on this Skills for Work course. I was struggling to find work before the

course but now I work at the Spread Eagle at Mellor as a second chef.”


Michelle BeresfordSpringboard

Michelle Berresford is now working for Edgerton Play Group and Out of School Club as a result of the

Springboard course! Michelle would not be where she is today without the course. The course helped her to prepare for interviews and she

had the chance to demonstrate her new skills when she attended the interview at Edgerton Play Group.

The tutors spent time with Michelle to ensure her CV stood out to

potential employers.

“I have absolutely loved this course and I would advise anyone

struggling to find work to do it. You will have the opportunity to meet

and work with some wonderful tutors, who are extremely passionate

about helping you make the next step in your career. Springboard and Blackburn College helped me to get

where I am today”

Abdul PatelComputers Don’t Byte and

Springboard 25+

Abdul was initially referred to Blackburn College for the

Computers Don’t Byte 50+ course, to help improve his basic knowledge and understanding of computers. On completion of the course he then moved onto Springboard,

which supported him further in his search for employment. Abdul is

now working as a fulltime delivery driver for a company in Euxton and

is enjoying his new role.

“Both courses have taught me how to search and apply for jobs. Before I knew nothing about computers but

now I know the basics and I used my computer skills to apply for the job. I enjoyed both courses, as they gave me something to look forward to. If it wasn’t for Blackburn College,

I wouldn’t have these skills and I wouldn’t have a job that I absolutely

love”



Curtis GouldIntroduction to Customer

Service

Curtis was referred to Blackburn College by his Job Centre Plus

advisor. The course has helped him gain a job at Capita TVL in Darwen.

Curtis said he wouldn’t have got this job without the help of the job centre and his tutors, who put his

CV forward and helped him prepare for interview.

“The course has given me a lot of confidence and reassurance that

I was able to get a job in customer service. The tutors were instructive

and concise when it came to teaching and made sure we had a relaxing and social environment.

I found the law, policies and legislation quite interesting, and I learned how to protect myself

and adjust myself to a competitive environment. Overall, I feel a lot

smarter, wiser, and ready to work.”

Demi HoughtonTraineeship

Demi, 17, used the traineeship programme to learn the skills that

employers are looking for, including interview skills and presentation skills, and has now progressed to

start an Apprenticeship at Althams Travel.

“I was looking to get into the travel industry and start an

Apprenticeship, but the timing just wasn’t right, so I decided to do a Traineeship instead to build my

professional skills.

“I love how I’ve fit in so easily and it’s exactly what I thought it was going to be like. I definitely can see myself

here for a long time.

“The best thing about Blackburn College was the small class sizes which helped me understand the

classes more, and the support I received when making my

Apprenticeship application and securing my place with Althams – I

am so grateful.”

For more information: Call: 01254 292277

Lynne HaywardIntroduction to Business

Administration

After recently completing the Introduction to Business

Administration course at Blackburn College Lynne secured a job at

Travelex as a travel money advisor. Lynne was apprehensive but excited about learning something new and

would definitely recommend the course to others.

“The course helped me to gain employment by giving me the

confidence to go forward and try new things. The practical role plays helped me a lot to put into practice live administration tasks, including customer service skills and dealing

with questions. The tutors in college are absolutely brilliant, encouraging and very supportive throughout my

time. The course was ideal for me as it was informative and easy to

understand.”

Marie GuntherFirst Steps to Success

Marie felt nervous and scared about coming to College as she doesn’t

cope well with new situations and finds it difficult to trust

people. Marie’s JCP Work Coach recommended the course to her

and she can’t believe she is where she is now as a result of all the help and support she has received from

the Skills for Work staff at Blackburn College.

“The course has helped me to gain confidence, as I never went out before the course unless it was

absolutely necessary and I now go out on my own. The course was

enjoyable and it helped me realise that I wasn’t on my own and showed

me that with a little support from both the tutor and my classmates

that I could achieve my goals.

“I am looking forward to continuing on my learning journey and plan to complete a higher level computer

course and I am looking at moving into adult social care. I did not think

I would be in this situation now and I want to say a big thank you to Blackburn College for giving me a

fantastic opportunity in life”

Documents

Skills for Work