Workskills Programme

Introduction

The Workskills project was originally conceived, designed and delivered during the 2007-2008 academic year by Warrington Borough Council.  The programme was designed as an alternative to work experience aimed at learners lacking motivation or confidence; particularly those expected to achieve grades D to G at GCSE and are unlikely to continue with their education.  The programme ran during the normal two-week block work experience period.  Each participating school selected between 12 and 15 young people to take part.
Learners had the opportunity to take part in work-based activities which involved visits to employers premises, team building activities and employer workshops to name but a few.  Throughout the programme learners had the opportunity to work for a recognised qualification – this was the OCR Level 1 qualification in Preparation for Employment. 

Education Business Plus Involvement

During the summer of 2008 Education Business Plus were approached by Warrington Borough Council about the possibility of delivering the programme during the 2008-09 academic year. 

Those taking part in the programme will have the opportunity to work towards the Edexcel Workskills suite set of qualifications and will follow the required learning outcomes of units 7 (Preparing for Interview) and 17 (Working in a Team).  In total this will equate to 40 guided learning hours and will enable 4 credits to be earned by students.  Achievement of three credits will give students the Level 1 Award in Workskills.  This is equivalent to one quarter of a GCSE at D to G.

What can the Students expect to do on the programme?

Each programme will consist of an alternative curriculum delivered away from school over a bloc two-week period designed to reflect the needs of a particular group of 12 to 15 young people from one Warrington School.  At the time of going to press seven schools have confirmed that they wish to take part.

Unit 7 of the award will allow students to gain an insight into vital aspects of the interview process culminating in preparing in a Mock Interview with a local employer.

Unit 17 will focus on understanding why employers seek employees who are able to work effectively with others in a team or group setting.  This unit helps students understand how they can contribute to the success of a team, thinking of their own strengths and skills as well as the task in hand.  Essentially students will learn key behaviours and attitudes required to communicate and cooperate with others in a team.

The programme will be led by Tamsen Cunningham but will have support from two Connexions Personal Advisers and the Education Business Plus Project Development Team. The programme will be delivered through group and individual activities and will be supported by local employers and visits from and to local businesses, which will add a sense of realism to the programme.  Students will also be able to gain a certificate in First Aid.

Education Business Plus is very pleased to be working with Warrington Borough Council in this programme, as Christine Fryer, Project Manager explains:

“We hope that the Workskills programme will go some way to enable those students taking part to acquire the soft skills that we know employers are looking for; adaptability, a ‘can do’ attitude, objectivity about strengths and weaknesses, communication and team working and a willingness to continue learning throughout their working lives. The programme offers these students the opportunity to learn and improve their chances of a successful outcome after school but at the same time have fun too.”