Level 1 Vocational Studies

At Warrington and Vale Royal College every learner is put first and we truly believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to raise expectations within themselves.

Vocational Studies Level 1 will support and encourage you to gain confidence, communication, social skills and a develop a wide range of key employability skills in a friendly and nurturing environment. It's about where you want to be in the future and how we can help you get there.

Vocational Studies is for young people aged 16-19 who do not have the grades to get onto a Level 1 course and want to either progress at college on a course of their choice or leave progress into employment after 1 year on Vocational Studies.

This course is suited for learners who may need a stepping stone qualification to either gain the required entry standards or to adjust to college life before accessing a full-time vocational course. Many young people have struggled to engage at school will find the transition from school to college difficult, we will work with you to help you adjust and meet college expectations so that you are given the best possible chance to progress. If you think you need extra time and support to develop the right skills for college and to find an area that you are interested then this is the course for you!

All our tutors have a wealth of experience and are passionate about their subject and they want to share this with you so that you can reach your full potential. As a unique individual we will work closely with you to identify your long-term goals and give you all the help you need to reach them.

The course duration is 1 year.

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

During the course you will be given the opportunity to choose your own module from a comprehensive list of interesting topics.

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 and this will be used to determine whether you will sit GCSE or an alternative Maths and English qualification.

You will be assessed through practical and written assessments, witness and observation reports as well as portfolio work. You may be required to sit an examination in Maths and English.

The majority of our students go on to study on Level 1 programmes, however, as this is a level 1 course the progression route should be Level 2 but this will be dependent on each curriculum area’s entry requirements.

In Foundation we have learners who have progressed all the way from Entry 3 to university and to employment, apprenticeships and supported internships. One of our students impressed the college so much on his work placement he is now a fully-fledged member of the maintenance team! Please don't be put off spending a year in Foundation, the end result is the same you have just taken a slightly different route to get there.

The majority of our students go on to study on Level 1 programmes, however, as this is a level 1 course the progression route should be Level 2 but this will be dependent on each curriculum area's entry requirements.

In Foundation we have learners who have progressed all the way from Entry 3 to university and to employment, apprenticeships and supported internships. One of our students impressed the college so much on his work placement he is now a fully-fledged member of the maintenance team! Please don't be put off spending a year in Foundation, the end result is the same you have just taken a slightly different route to get there.

• Dedicated Progress Coach
• Dedicated industry Placement Officer
• 1-2-1 in class if applicable
• In class support staff
• Mobility support
• Exam access arrangements
• Orientation
• Modification of learning materials and specialist resources

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required and a welfare team that are 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.

There are many providers who offer 'similar' courses, but what they can't offer is the wide range of opportunities that will be available to you:

• Individualised curriculum
• Community projects and employer led live briefs
• Internal and external work placements
• Enrichment activities, trips and visits
• Links with local employers
• Independent living skills
• Vocational experience days
• Excellent progression routes
• A team of dedicated staff with over 80 years of combined experience

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 learners can participate. Help is available if learners are in receipt of a bursary.