Entry 3 Vocational Studies

Vocational Studies allows you to explore a range of vocational areas alongside studying English and maths. If you feel you need extra time and support to develop the right skills for college and to find an area that you are interested in, this course is ideal for you! Throughout the course you will be able to take part in sessions from one of many course areas, helping you to decide on the next steps and equipping you with a range of new skills.

Vocational Studies is suitable for students who may need a steppingstone qualification to either gain the required entry standards or to adjust to college life before accessing a full-time course in one of our many vocational areas. Having the opportunity to try a variety of practical skills will help you to make an informed choice about your next steps.

Throughout your course, you will be fully supported every step of the way by dedicated staff who care immensely about you reaching your full potential.

There are many providers who offer similar courses, but what makes our course stand out is the opportunity for you to try out vocational areas to find something that you enjoy and are great at! Each Monday you will attend a pathway in one of the following course areas:

• Art
• Public Services & Sport
• Multi-skills (see Construction Skills)
• Health & Social Care and Childcare
• Hospitality & Catering
• IT, Media & Graphics
• Hairdressing, Beauty & Media Makeup

Alongside your pathway modules you will complete a variety of core units that are designed to develop confidence and employability skills as well as prepare you for progression onto a level 1 or level 2 course. Units will be chosen to suit each group of students and are changed throughout the year to suit individual and group needs. The units combine to form a qualification in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development.

Maths and English will form a part of your programme of study. At the start of the year, you will have an assessment in English and maths which will be used to determine whether you will sit GCSEs or an alternative English and/or maths qualification.

Throughout your course you will be assessed through practical and written assessments, witness and observation reports, and portfolio work. You may be required to sit an examination in English and/or maths.

The majority of our students go on to study on level 1 programmes, however it is possible to skip this stage and progress straight on to level 2.

We also have students who have progressed on to Supported Internships, traineeships, and apprenticeships. One of our students impressed the college so much on his work placement he completed a plumbing apprenticeship with the college and is now a full-time member of staff in the maintenance department! In the future you could even complete a higher education course at the college or progress on to university.

Throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to meet expert guest speakers from a variety of industry backgrounds. You will also take part in workplace visits to a variety of employers and working environments such as construction, retail, entertainment, and hospitality and catering.

Work experience is a key component of your programme of study, and you will be given help and guidance in finding the right placement for you. Engaging with employers will give you a valuable insight into the world of work and help to develop your employability skills.

The Foundation Department runs a café that is open to the public and you may have the opportunity to be part of this exciting venture.

You will be allocated a progress coach who will provide you with support to help you succeed on your study programme and progress on to your chosen career or progression path. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

All our tutors have a wealth of experience and are passionate about their subject. They will share their experience and knowledge with you to enable you to reach your full potential. We have fantastic progression routes and many success stories to share with you.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Uniforms and/or safety equipment may be required for some of the pathway courses. For students that are eligible there is financial support available to help you with these costs. Once you have chosen your pathway option you will then be able to explore financial support if additional uniform or equipment is needed.

If there are any costs attached to trips and visits you will be given notice and all costs are kept to a minimum to ensure all students can participate. Help is available if students are in receipt of a bursary.