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First Steps - Discover

First Steps - Discover

Level E
Forest of Dean

Course Overview

Full Time
Certificate
Shortlist and Apply

Ideal if: there is a course or a job you’re interested in, but you don’t have the required English or maths grades to apply.

You’ll learn: functional skills qualifications in English and maths at Entry Level, Level 1 and/or Level 2, plus additional technical qualifications.

Expect: to grow your confidence and gain employability skills and work experience through work-related activities. The course is full-time and runs for a full academic year.

You’ll love: tutorial sessions where you’ll be given expert advice and guidance on the best career path or further study option for you.


Not sure what your next step is but need to boost your English and maths qualifications to move forward? This course is great if you’ve got a career in mind but need to improve your qualifications to apply for a higher-level course. Whether you’re looking to explore different options or simply gain the confidence and skills to progress, you’ll learn new skills and develop while keeping your options open for your next step.

 

What You’ll Learn 

Our First Steps Discover programme offers the flexibility to explore various career options while improving your functional skills in English and maths. You’ll work towards gaining qualifications, which are essential for further education and employment.

Throughout the year, you’ll participate in work-related activities that will make you more employable and give you valuable work experience. You’ll also have tutorial sessions where you’ll be supported with advice to choose the right career or further education pathway.

You’ll build your confidence, communication skills, and understanding of various industries, making sure you’re ready for whatever path you choose next.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to progress onto a higher-level course at college or take your first steps into the working world.

 

Highlights 

You can expect to:

  • Gain hands-on experience to help boost your employability skills
  • Take place in a work placement week
  • Take part in impactful social action projects

 

Assessment 

This vocational qualification is coursework based and you’ll take part in continual assessment throughout the year. Functional skills English and maths qualifications are exam based.

 

Anything else? 

You’ll learn functional skills qualifications in English and maths at Entry Level, Level 1 and/or Level 2 alongside this qualification.

You’ll also take part in continual professional development (CPD) and complete the college’s Which Three Skills programme to develop skills like communication, teamwork, resilience and more.

  • Typical Entry Criteria

    • Qualifications lower than three GCSE subjects at Grade 2

      • First Steps programmes are designed for learners who are yet to achieve Gloucestershire College's entry criteria for a Level 1 course.

    Recommended Age Criteria: Under 19 (Learners with an Education Health Care Plan Under 23)

    Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements.

    For 19+ applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion.

    All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.

    Please note if English is not your first language our ESOL provision may be more appropriate, as entry to our first steps provision requires an appropriate foundation level of spoken and written English. For learners with EHCP or SEND needs’, please also refer to our Foundation Learning section. All students will be offered places on the most appropriate provision to meet their needs.

  • Students have a chance to progress onto: 1. Higher level courses within the College 2. Employment (either supported employment/ full/ part time employment) 3. Voluntary work.

Shortlist and Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply
First Steps - Discover

What You Will Pay

British and European Union students

Age: 16-18

You will pay

£0

for your course

Your course could be free of charge as you may be eligible for financial support to help pay your tuition fees, travel, exams, materials or childcare.

When you enrol you’ll need to pay any course fees for the first year, which you can do by direct debit, cash, debit card or credit card.

Please contact us for more information.

0345 155 2020

British and European Union students

Age: 19+

You will pay

£1,680

for your course

Your course could be free of charge as you may be eligible for financial support to help pay your tuition fees, travel, exams, materials or childcare.

When you enrol you’ll need to pay any course fees for the first year, which you can do by direct debit, cash, debit card or credit card.

Please contact us for more information.

0345 155 2020

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply

Overseas students

Please contact us to discuss your fees for this course

0345 155 2020