choices

What is work based learning

Work Based Learning

If you do not want to stay on at school or go to college you might think about employment or work based learning You will need to be ready to put in a full day’s work. However, you may feel that you are not ready to go straight into a work placement or that you may not know what kind of work you wish to do. You may need extra help before your work based learning. If you need extra help before your work based learning

E2E (Entry to Employment)

The E2E programme can help you get ready for work based learning. It gives a lot of support and fits your individual needs. It can provide help with:

• your Maths or English skills and using a computer
• your confidence and using money
• finding out what abilities you have and what kind of work you enjoy
• applying for jobs and going for interviews

On an E2E programme

• you can apply for EMA
• you usually learn for 16 hours each week
• E2E can help you progress into work based learning, Sixth Form College or employment

To find out more about E2E ask your Personal Adviser.

When you can go into work based learning?

If you are ready you can go into work based learning at the end of year 11, or during the sixth form or college, or after an E2E programme. Work based learning means you work with an employer, usually for 4 days a week. You might spend some time at a college or a learning centre and you will take a qualification.

Qualifications

You will work towards a National Vocational Qualification.

• NVQs are very practical qualifications, recognised by employers nationally
• NVQs prove you can actually apply what you have learnt in a work situation
• NVQs are available in many different types of work

There are two levels of training

You can work towards an Apprenticeship or train to a higher level Advanced Apprenticeship.
On an Apprenticeship you work towards an NVQ level 2 qualification. This is equal to 4 or 5 GCSEs at A to C grade. You also get training in key skills such as maths and IT.
On an Advanced Apprenticeship you train to NVQ level 3. This is equal to ‘A’ Level study. You usually need 4 GCSEs at grades A to C or an NVQ Level 2 to do an Advanced Apprenticeship.

The programmes do not have a set length, you work at your own pace.

What kind of training is available?

There are several Learning Providers in Northumberland who can help you find a work placement and help you gain an NVQ qualification. Placements are available in many different kinds of work, such as:

• agriculture
• horticulture
• business and office work
• catering
• construction and building work
• computing and IT
• engineering
• hairdressing
• health and care work
• motor vehicle
• shop work
• working with animals/horses.

How to apply

You need to tell your Connexions Personal Adviser. They will tell you the types of work based learning available in your area and how to apply. Your Connexions Personal Adviser will work with you and the learning providers to help you find a placement that is right for you. In year 11 you will receive a copy of the booklet Choices, which details all the opportunities available in work based learning in Northumberland.

If you need help in your work placement

You may need to work towards an NVQ Level 1 before doing an NVQ Level 2. Your Learning Provider will check on your progress and will provide you with all the support you need.

For details of Work Based learning opportunities go to the Work and Careers section of this site.