All students undertake an initial assessment period after which students and senior staff meet to select an appropriate vocational course and agree an individual learning programme. This program encompasses all areas of learning in order to enable student to live and work independently.
Vocational Tutors are professionally qualified in the trade taught and are qualified in Sign Language and other forms of communication.
Three new courses--Hairdressing, catering and Hospitality, and animal care-- are being added to those currently on offer.
We also offer NPTC foundation level in all our courses.
Hairdressing
Students learn how to deal with customers; how to make and record appointments; shampoo, condition and handle dry hair; use resources effectively; health and safety at work; aspects of perming and colouring hair; how to develop effective working relationships.
Horticulture
We offer NVQ Levels 1 and 2 in Commercial Horticulture (Intensive Crop Production) and Amenity Horticulture.
Wood Occupations (Carpentry)
We offer NVQ Levels 1&2. Students learn how to handle tools correctly; use a range of equipment, select and prepare timber; measure and cut to instructions; use hand tools to prepare and assemble joints.
Building
Level 1 NVQ in Trowel Occupations and General Construction Operations. Students are taught tool recognition and usage, ground preparation, material preparation, measurement, site security.
Painting and Decorating
NVQ levels 1& 2. This includes tool recognition, tool handling, surface preparation, material preparation, material selection, painting techniques, paint mixing, removal and refitting fixtures and fittings.
All courses include:
Health and safety, Working together, Communication, Measurement.
Work Experience
All students undertake periods of work experience, first with employers local to the college then, towards the end of their training, in their home area.
Work experience at a local school