All posts by Sarah Wild

competence validation_UK, information

ECTS and ECVET programmes

The UK is actively involved in ECTS and ECVET programmes to validate learning and competences following a period of mobility abroad. However, ECVET is not very widely adopted or developed.

Institution providing the offer
European Commission and individual universities and Higher Education Institutions produce their own guide adapted to their training courses

Who can access this support offer
Anyone in employment who seeks to validate their competencies through a work-based framework

Further information/useful links

https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/study-abroad/erasmus-new/ects
https://ec.europa.eu/education/resources/european-credit-transfer-accumulation-system_en
https://www.erasmusplus.org.uk/how-you-can-use-ecvet

 

informal education measures_UK, information

Work-experience

Work-experience is now a compulsory part of the courses for all pupils at mainstream schools and in Further Education and Training.

Who can access this support offer
All pupils; students and trainees enrolled in a school, college or training centre are eligible.

Further information/useful links
2013_DoE_making work experience work for you_UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/participation-of-young-people-education-employment-and-training
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/672418/_Careers_guidance_and_access_for_education_and_training_providers.pdf

 

 

formal vocational training_UK, information

Vocational educational programmes

Support offers for people who want to access formal vocational/educational programs in the UK

Vocational Educational programmes are not available in mainstream school. Schools only offer so called ‘Academic’ courses that lead to GCSE, AS, A Levels. Pupils can choose to study academic courses in vocational subjects such as ICT, Woodworking or Metalworking if the school has access to the required facilities.

From the age of 16, pupils can opt to leave their mainstream school and follow an ‘Applied and Technical’ qualification course in a College of Further Education, a Technical College, a Sixth Form College, a Work-based Learning Provider or a Training Organisation.

Institution providing the offer:

  • Colleges of Further Education
  • Technical Colleges
  • Sixth Form Colleges
  • Work-based Learning Providers
  • Training Organisations funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency

General description of the offer

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/694413/16_to_19_study_programmes_guidance_updated-March_2018.pdf

All ESFA funded education for 16 to 19 year olds must be delivered as a study programme which combines qualifications and other activities, and which is tailored to each student’s prior attainment and career goals.

Every study programme must have a core aim. For the majority of students, this will be either the study of substantial technical, applied or academic qualification(s) or preparation for employment.

Young people who do not hold a GCSE grade 4 (reformed grading) or grade C (legacy grading) in maths and/or English are required to continue these subjects as part of their study programme.

All study programmes should include work experience and non-qualification activities, which complement the other elements of the programme and support the student to progress to further or higher education or to employment.

The study programmes are various levels – Entry Level – Level 8.

Who can access this support offer
All young people aged 16-19

Further information/useful links
Vocational Courses are also available in Higher Education and can lead to a Bachelor Degree, a Master’s Degree etc. These courses are devised and managed by the Institution concerned – regulated via the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and managed by an Examinations Board.

https://www.gov.uk/education/further-and-higher-education-skills-and-vocational-training

 

become an entrepreneur_UK, information

The Prince’s Trust

Support offer for aspiring entrepreneurs

The Prince’s Trust – a programme for young people aged 18 to 30, living in the UK, who have a business idea or some ideas to explore. People can either sign up to enjoy the programme in person or try the new, flexible online platform, with e-mentor support, to help guide through all the key steps.

There is an online programme packed with useful  videos,  top tips and  guidance to help start a business, it’s an effective way to learn the necessary skills and it’s absolutely free. There is also a connection to a community of other young people who want to be their own boss.

There is the chance to be teamed with an e-mentor.

Who can access this offer?
18-30 year olds living in the UK

Further information/useful links

‘What’s involved in Enterprise?’ detail page.

To sign up for Prince’s Trust Online, simply click here.

become an entrepreneur_UK, information

Government Support For Entrepreneurship In UK

Support offer for aspiring entrepreneurs

The British Government provides not just financial assistance but also other support networks for the betterment of entrepreneurship in UK. They assist in technical matters, manufacturing processes, imports and exports, marketing strategies, innovation, design implementation and guidance in legal matters.

Who can access this offer?
Anyone

Further information/useful links
http://www.entrepreneursuk.net

become an entrepreneur_UK, information

StartUp Britain

Support offer for aspiring entrepreneurs

StartUp Britain is a national campaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, harnessing the expertise and passion of Britain’s leading businesspeople to unleash entrepreneurship across the UK.

On the website you will find:

  • An interactive map to find local support in your area, from accelerators to enterprise support organisations;
  • Online resources to help you start and grow your own business;
  • A calendar of entrepreneurship events.

Who can access this offer?
Anyone

Further information/useful links
http://startupbritain.org
Entrepreneurs in UK
Small business entrepreneurs

 

information, labour market access_UK

Jobcenter Plus

Support offer

Each job seeker has a  Jobcentre Plus work coach can give them more information about programmes that can help them prepare for, find and stay in work.

Anyone who’s unemployed can join a Work Club. They’re run by local organisations like employers and community groups, and give job seekers the chance to share knowledge, experience and job hunting tips.

Job seekers can get support from Jobcentre Plus to help them prepare for, find and stay in work, including:

They may also be able to keep getting some benefits once they start working.

Who can access this offer?

All registered job seekers in the UK

Further information/useful links