Working Towards Employment (Aspire Broadway)

This course is designed for young people with a special educational need or disability, who have an EHCP and have an aspiration to work, whether this be full-time, part-time or in a volunteer capacity.

Aspire's employment pathway is offered in three stages depending on the student's readiness for employment, previous experience and skill-set.

Stage 1 begins to develop a young person’s work-readiness skills, consider their own preparation for adulthood and take part in work exposure activities that will support their own career choices, underpinned by the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Duke of Edinburgh guides students to take part in volunteering, physical activity and skill-building, ending with a two day expedition. Completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Award as well as the expedition is a requirement of this course however reasonable adjustments can be made, in any section, to make the activities accessible.

Stage 2 offers a progression opportunity for those having already studied stage 1, building on work-readiness skills, offering work experience and involvement in social enterprise activities.

Stage 3 offers the support of a specially trained Job Coach dedicated to sourcing a suitable work placement, on-the-job training and guidance throughout your internship and beyond.

Successful completion of a Supported Internship provides valuable, comprehensive work experience for approximately six months and can lead to paid employment. The stage at which a student starts, one, two or three, depends on their previous experience and level of ability.

All ‘Working Towards Employment’ courses help to prepare students for employment with the aim to be to reach stage 3 of the course and successfully complete a Supported Internship. The stage at which a student starts, one, two or three, depends on their previous experience and level of ability. All Aspire curriculum promotes preparation for adulthood which includes personal independence, employment, looking after yourself in the home, travel and community cohesion.

All students will undertake work experience in our Aspire Shop, learning essential transferable skills such as customer service, problem solving, teamworking, basic finance and marketing.

Please note that ‘full time’ courses are between 16-18 hours per week and are not 5-day provision. Maths and English is taught as part of this study programme.

If your travel is provided by school, sixth-form or local authority, this will need to be reapplied for prior to starting college.

Areas covered can include (but aren't limited to) the following:

• Communication
• Personal development
• Well-being
• Sustainability
• Independence
• Study Skills
• Health & safety
• CV writing
• Customer service
• Working with the public
• Behaviour in the workplace
• Career choice
• Work placement

Portfolio based assessment.

Stage 1 - Duke of Edinburgh portfolio of evidence.

Stage 2 - C&G Employability Skills qualification at entry level 3 or level 1

Stage 3 - successful completion of a work placement

In addition, students will undertake formal assessment in maths and/or English if this is suitable for the student.

Small financial contribution to educational visits, when required. Personal stationery. Suitable clothing and footwear for outdoors. Sportswear. Clothing suitable for interview.

C&G Employability at Entry Level 3 or Level 1
Supported Internship

All Aspire courses are for one academic year. Progression onto each stage of the Employment Pathway is dependent on maintained attendance, positive records of behaviour and evidence of significant progress made within the year.

Progression from this pathway is further training including apprenticeships, volunteering or employment.

Applicants will be invited to attend a needs assessment to ensure support needs can be met. Following this, a mandatory taster session is arranged to provide transition into the area and for suitability for the programme to be assessed. If there are any concerns about suitability or our ability to meet support needs, this will be discussed with you. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.