European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
Learning through work programme workforce academy
Workforce Academy is a registered charity that provides dedicated training and support for people with educational, social or emotional support needs. Their aim is to 'break down barriers between people and opportunities' so that learners can move on to succeed.
This ESF funded project sought to provide a work-focussed programme for young people at Key Stage 4 (14-16 years-of-age) of the National Curriculum, and to provide them with basic skills and personal development training to support the development of work-based skills. The programme also offered practical experience training, work-based placements with employers and qualifications. Vocational areas are: Catering and Business Studies.
The aim of the programme was to provide an alternative for students who struggled in main stream schooling within a traditional disciplinary system, and who were unable to work in large groups, had experienced bullying within their school environment or were at risk of being excluded.
Target Group
The project was aimed at:
- Young people for whom mainstream or traditional (non-vocational) learning routes have been unsuccessful or unsuitable;
- Young people who were at risk of exclusion or have been excluded;
- Young people who were at risk of offending;
- Young people who were displaying challenging or anti-social behaviour.
Training
The following vocational courses were offered:
- Business Studies (GCSE)
- Hospitality and Catering (GNVQ)
- Health and Social Care (GCSE)
As well as these vocational courses it became apparent to Workforce Academy that this student group required Literacy and Numeracy support, therefore the provider ensured that additional English and Maths classes were provided.
The students also benefited from personal development sessions that provided employability skills such as team building, health and safety policy, health and hygiene, vocational career choices and how to deal with bullying in the workplace.
The providers and tutors commented: 'It was interesting to note that on the catering course students were very well behaved, focused and came to class enthusiastic to achieve. Within the Business Studies and Health and Social course behavioural problems were minimised in comparison to behaviour displayed at school. ' It could be suggested that students joining this programme were specifically looking for practical lessons rather than the paper based type lesson required for Business Studies GCSE and Health and Social Care GCSE.
ESF Matters - making a difference to people's lives
The Project Beneficiaries
Testimonials from a school involved in the project: 'Our exam grade passes have been poor. In the summer of 2003 no students passed their Business Studies exam and in December 2004 only six students passed their Health and Social Care qualification. However, the catering course modules were much more successful.
The young people
Name: Shaka Byer Andrews
This programme gave Shaka the opportunity to undertake a GNVQ in Hospitality and Catering. His own school did not provide this course. His decision to do this course was based on his interest of cooking but he was not sure if he would enjoy it enough to have a career in catering.
The best part of this course for Shaka and the most interesting has been the practical work of actually learning to cook. Shaka is now certain that he would like to be a chef either in a restaurant or hotel and is interested in continuing his training in Hospitality and Catering at a college after he has left Workforce.
Name: Kieran Mills
Previous to joining this course Kieran did not know what he wanted to do after leaving school. He thought that catering might be a good option for him so he decided to do this course as an introduction to the types of jobs available within the catering industry. He also decided to do the course because he finds cooking 'very interesting'.
He has found the practical side of the course the most interesting part of it and especially enjoys devising new menus and learning about food from different countries. Kieran has now decided that he wants to be a chef and is keen to go onto college.
Name: Stacey Small
Stacey is in Year Ten and is originally from Islington Green School. Stacey originally thought that a career in Health and Social Care would suit her, although she is part way through completing her GCSE she is keen to keen to continue with her work and particularly interested in doing Maths, English and ICT as well as a Vocational Qualification in Health and Social Care.
She has found English and Maths the most interesting subjects so far. Stacey wants to go into fashion design and recognises the importance of both Maths and ICT for this.
Outcomes 25 young people graduated and 10 of these with NVQ equivalents. Overall the programme has been successful in introducing students to a vocational path in which to reach their intended career goal. Students who were disenchanted with school have been provided the confidence to look forward and consider their future with greater optimism.
Funding The project has received £114,225 worth of European Social Funding; the project ran until the end of 2004.
Further information
For further information about European Social Funding please visit:
Learning and Skills Council The LSC exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. We have a single goal: to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to make sure we have a workforce that is of world-class standards.
We are responsible for planning and funding high-quality vocational education and training for everyone. Our vision is that by 2010, young people and adults in England have the knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a truly competitive workforce.