New learning pathways welcomed by students
A REVISED programme for students with special educational needs has been introduced this year at the Guernsey College of Further Education.
It has been reviewed to ensure that students are equipped to enter the local workforce on completion of their qualification.
Divided into four learning pathways, the Working Academy pathway, in particular, was redeveloped by the college after external agency consultation to improve student access to a network of employers to offer work placements for three of their five college days per week.
This includes placements at States Works’ landscaping department, Les Cotils, Grow Ltd, and Creature Comforts pet shop. The remaining two days are spent at the college studying for a City and Guilds qualification at entry level 3 in retail, hospitality and catering.
Feedback from the students on this pathway has been very positive.
Erin Brouard is currently working at Chateau des Tielles.
She said: ‘I absolutely love working at the Chateau des Tielles, it’s so fun.
‘I made tea and coffee and even helped feed someone who couldn’t do it for themselves.
‘I will be playing games with the residents and talking to them.’
Another student, Nathan Allen, said: ‘I have worked at the college cafe for a year now learning how to be a catering assistant. I’m now helping to train other students who are new to the cafe.’
The course runs over 36 weeks, and the aim is that the majority of these students will progress to purposeful employment at the end of the academic year in a full-time, part-time or voluntary capacity.
CFE access programme leader Sue Lambeth said: ‘The review of our study programme has enabled us to fully match a student’s individual ability and potential to the appropriate learning pathway.
‘It is essential that the skills and knowledge that our students develop fully equip them to enter employment and to lead as independent a life as possible.’
The other learning pathways are Life Skills, which helps develop their practical skills in the home and in the community with trips out and about; Progression, designed to support personal development and exploration of the workplace, feeding into the Workforce Academy; as well as the other pathway, Step Up, which also offers work placement experiences.
. Any employers interested in getting involved with the programme should email Tristan Bearman at tristanb@gcfe.net.
