Employability and education-related programmes boost your confidence and develop skills and attributes that employers are looking for, improving your chances of seeking and gaining employment or securing a promotion.
Included in this area, programmes of study provide direct links into work-based industries such as Customer Service, Education, Early Years, and Health and Social care sectors.
On these courses, you will also have opportunities to develop your literacy skills enabling progression to relevant qualifications.
Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge and skills to enhance your career prospects, or you are a business looking to upskill your staff, we have a range of short and certified courses.
Education and Training courses we offer
Starting 21st February, 2024
Pathways to Teaching Project Overview
Course Overview
Next Chance to Join this Programme
Progression Opportunities
Pathways to Teaching Eligibility Criteria
How to Apply
Course overview
This course will provide you with the skills required to support teaching and learning of English as a second language (ESOL).
Who is this course for
What you will learn
- The importance of Safeguarding and confidentiality in the classroom.
- This course will provide you with the skills required to support teaching and learning of English as a second language (ESOL)
- Ascentis Level 1 Award in Volunteering to Support English Language Teaching and Learning
- Some of the challenges and issues that English language learners have.
- Facilitating opportunities for social engagement and language development.
- How learning English can be affected by a wide range of personal, social or environmental factors.
What happens after you complete your course
- Volunteering for Sefton Community Learning Service or other adult learning organisations.
- Volunteering as a classroom assistant/teaching assistant.
- You may also consider progression to an adult education teaching qualification through our “Pathways into Teaching” programme.
Your tutor will help you identify suitable volunteering opportunities within ESOL classes, subject to an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check which will be processed and paid by Sefton Community Learning Service.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Adult learners who:
- Have an interest in mental health and wellbeing
- Are supporting a family or friend with mental ill health
- Would like to improve their own knowledge of mental health and wellbeing
- Are interested in working within a Health & Social care setting or supporting people with mental health issues
- Would like to continue with further courses in mental health and wellbeing
As a prerequisite of the qualification, you will attend a one-day introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing workshop that leads to the 4-week qualification programme.
What you will learn
Introduction to workshop
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your individual learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience: ·
- Induction
- Initial and diagnostic assessment and setting of personal targets
- What do we mean by mental health?
Qualification
Know how to take care of own mental health and wellbeing
Identify methods to take care of own mental health and wellbeing. Identify strategies or techniques that can be used to manage common difficult situations. Outline the importance of emotional resilience in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.
Know how to provide support to family and friends for their mental health and wellbeing
Identify the signs and symptoms associated with the main types of mental ill health. Identify situations when it is appropriate to provide support and when professional or emergency assistance should be used. Outline ways that an individual can offer support to family and friends with their mental health and wellbeing. Identify how to maintain own mental wellbeing while supporting someone with mental ill health.
Know sources of support for mental health and wellbeing
Identify different sources of support available relating to mental health and wellbeing. Outline the types of support available from different sources.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
This is a course for complete beginners and no prior subject knowledge or skills are required as this is an Introductory course to mental health and wellbeing.
A basic level of literacy will be needed (E3 - L1)
On this course you will need to:
- Follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace
- Listen and join in group discussions
- Jot down notes to record relevant information
- Keep your work organised in a file
- Use a PC/laptop or tablet for research or to present your work and to access our learning platform
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide many of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities.
There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks, and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good.
There is an end of course assessment, for you to gain the qualification. The Assessment is a multiple choice paper of 15 questions. You will have half an hour to complete the Assessment. The pass rate is 60%.
The awarding body for this Level 1 Award – Introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing is Highfield.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, you can progress to:
- Introduction to Counselling (Sefton Community Learning Service)
- Level 2 Award in Awareness of Mental Health Problems (Southport College)
- Level 2 Counselling Skills (Southport College)
- Access to Higher Education – Social Science (Hugh Baird College). This is subject to entrance criteria (Maths L2/English L2 or GCSE)
- Functional Skills English and Maths (Sefton Community Learning Service)
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up on your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
People who are considering working in a learning support environment – in school, further education or other environments and would like to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to support learners in a wide range of settings.
It’s aimed at learners working in roles that support pupils’ learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges.
This qualification is aimed at learners in placement / working in support roles within schools and colleges.
Learners on the course will be asked to attend an interview with the course tutors to determine their suitability, commitment to the course and provide evidence of their placement, after which they will be registered on the qualification.
What you will learn
NCFE Cache Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning has been designed to provide learners with an understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school or college environments.
It covers a wide range of areas including children and young people’s development, supporting children and young people’s positive behaviour and communication and professional relationships.
The qualification comprises 11 mandatory units:
- Understand schools and colleges as organisations
- Understand children and young people's development
- Safeguarding children and young people
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in a learning environment for children and young people
- Maintain relationships with children and young people
- Support the health and safety of children and young people
- Support positive behaviour in a learning environment for children and young people
- Contribute to teamwork in a learning environment
- Understand children and young people’s play and leisure
- Promote an effective learning environment
- Provide displays in a learning environment
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
An interest in working within a Learning Support role, in a wide range of settings is essential.
A good level of English and Maths (Level 1 minimum)
Learners will need to be working or on a practical placement for the duration of the course in a learning environment (school or college) as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge.
Learners are responsible for securing their own placement and failure to do so will result in not being able to achieve the full qualification.
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Folders, Pens, paper.
Access to a computer/laptop outside college is needed for research purposes.
How you will learn
Through a variety of teaching methods including, observation whilst on placement, discussion, written assignments and group activities. This course aims to explore current practise/issues in an informal, encouraging and trusting environment.
There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.
You will complete a Portfolio of Work which will be internally assessed and externally verified by the awarding body (NCFE). Learners will complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), to ensure learning focuses on their individual needs, recognising prior knowledge and skills.
What happens after you complete your course
This qualification gives the learner employment opportunities within Primary/Secondary/FE and other educational environments.
Learners can also progress onto the Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or into the workforce
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Learners on this course will need to enrol on L2 Functional Skills or GCSE qualification in English and Maths as these will be required to work on educational settings.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
- Adult learners who are interested in developing knowledge and awareness of working in Schools.
- Adult learners who wish to work in schools supporting pupils, whilst developing an understanding of the teaching and learning environment in a school setting.
- Adults already working or volunteering in a school setting (this is not mandatory).
As a prerequisite of the qualification, you will attend an introduction to working in schools workshop that leads to the qualification programme.
What you will learn
Introduction workshop
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your individual learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience:
- develop an awareness of the types of educational settings in the United Kingdom
- Show an understanding of the connection between children’s learning and their development
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the health and well-being of children contribute to a positive learning experience.
Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools
Course content below is as specified on the NCFE CACHE specification.
- Understand schools as organisations
- Understand how to keep children and young people healthy, safe and well
- Understand how to communicate with children, young people and adults
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your individual learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Please note that this course content is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
This is a course for complete beginners and no prior subject knowledge or skills are required.
You must be able to demonstrate that you have at least good literacy skills (equivalent to at least Level 1) as on this course you will need to:
- follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace
- listen and join in group discussions
- jot down notes to record relevant information
- keep your work organised in a file
- use a PC/laptop or tablet for research and to present your work as well as to access to our learning platform.
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.
To access our virtual learning platform, you will need to have an email address and some basic IT skills, although your tutor will give you printed instructions to help you.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities.
There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.
Your progress will be monitored through formal and informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
This course is externally accredited by NCFE-CACHE. As part of the accreditation criteria, you will be required to put together a folder of evidence which will include:
- Reflection on own practice in a real working environment
- Written and pictorial information
- Scenario or case study
- Tasks set by tutor to check knowledge of learning outcomes.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, learners can progress onto the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges or the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Adult learners who want to gain an understanding of the mentoring process and become a mentor. You will complete a portfolio of practical and written work which will help you to understand the role of a mentor and be aware of the skills needed to become an effective mentor.
The programme is split into two parts, the first week is an introductory course, that leads to an NCFE qualification course to extend your skills and knowledge in Mentoring.
What you will learn
Introduction
- Ice breaker - getting know your peers
- Introduction to mentoring
- Learning styles - how people learn
- Communication skills
Role of a mentor
- Understand the role of a mentor
- Understand the reasons for an agreement between the mentor and the person being mentored
- Be able to identify support available to a mentor
Preparing for the role of a mentor
- Understand key factors relating to mentoring
- Be aware of the main tools used by a mentor
- Understand how to develop the skills to become a mentor
Demonstrating mentoring skills
- Be able to prepare for a mentoring meeting
- Be able to undertake an Assessor-observed mentoring meeting
- Be able to review their performance as a mentor
Please note that this course content is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
You will need some basic computer knowledge - using a keyboard, mouse/touchpad, logging on to a computer and Internet searching.
Level 1 literacy skills needed. On this course you will need to be able to:
- follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace
- listen and join in group discussions
- jot down notes to record relevant information
- keep your work organised in a file
- use a PC/laptop or tablet for research/present your work
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of activities including demonstrations, discussion and using computers/iPads.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and the completion of a portfolio with a series of written tasks. You will form a mentoring relationship with a colleague in your workplace or a member of class if you do not currently work and go through the mentoring process over the weeks.
It is expected that you complete some work at home between sessions to consolidate and extend learning.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, SCLS offers you progression to other qualifications including in Level 1 Awards in Mentoring, Preparing to Work in Schools, Understanding Employment, Business and Enterprise and Introduction to an Early Years Setting.
Alternatively, you can progress to other non-accredited courses including employability courses, education and training or ICT.
You can also progress to a Coaching and Mentoring - Level 3 at Hugh Baird College.
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Anyone who is looking for an introduction to the concepts of British Values. You will gain theoretical knowledge on this subject and research areas including human rights and the justice system.
The programme is split into two parts, the first week is an introductory course, that leads to an E3 qualification course to extend your skills and knowledge in British Values.
What you will learn
Introduction
You will be introduced to British Values:
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Libery
- Mutual Respect and Tolerance
Know the meaning of democracy in relation to British values
- Identify the meaning of democracy
- State how citizens demonstrate democracy in the United Kingdom
- State how the United Kingdom is governed from local to national level
Know the meaning of the ‘rule of law’ in relation to British values
- Identify the meaning of the ‘rule of law’
- State the reasons for the ‘rule of law’
- State how laws are made
- Identify the types of punishment for breaking the law
Know the meaning of individual liberty in relation to British values
- Identify the meaning of individual liberty
- Identify the types of individual liberties
Know the meaning of mutual respect and tolerance in relation to British values
- Identify the meaning of mutual respect and tolerance
- State the key qualities required to demonstrate mutual respect and tolerance to others
- State the attitudes and behaviours which undermine British Values
Please note that this course content is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
You will need some basic computer knowledge - using a keyboard, mouse/touchpad, logging on to a computer and Internet searching.
Level 1 literacy skills needed. On this course you will need to be able to:
- follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace
- listen and join in group discussions
- jot down notes to record relevant information
- keep your work organised in a file
- use a PC/laptop or tablet for research/present your work and to undertake the e-assessment.
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of activities including demonstrations, discussion and using computers/iPads.
There will be plenty of revision and practice to build on previous learning. You will receive regular verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress and prepare you for the end of course examination.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks during the course. In order to gain the qualification awarded by Ascentis, you will need to successfully complete a 40 minute e-assessment consisting of 20 multiple choice questions.
It is expected that you complete some work at home between sessions to consolidate and extend learning.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, Sefton Community Learning Service offers you progression to qualifications in Entry 3/Level 1 Awards in Equality & Diversity, Level 1 Award in Business and Enterprise, Preparing to Work in Schools or Introduction to Customer Service.
Alternatively, you can progress to other non-accredited courses including: employability courses, education and training or ICT.
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Adult learners, over 19 years of age, who are Liverpool City Region residents and want to take the first steps into teaching adults, whether that be in community learning, private training, further education or other establishments.
This course will give you the skills and knowledge to understand different types of roles and responsibilities in adult education, how to plan and deliver classroom-based sessions and different types of assessment methods used in education.
Please note that this course is a preparation to teach course and might not be accepted by all providers as a full teaching qualification.
What you will learn
Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training
- Understand the teaching role and responsibilities in education and training
- Understand ways to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment
- Understand the relationships between teachers and other professionals in education and training
Understanding and using inclusive teaching and learning approaches in education and training
- Understand inclusive teaching and learning approaches in education and training
- Understand ways to create an inclusive teaching and learning environment
- Plan inclusive teaching and learning
- Deliver inclusive teaching and learning
- Evaluate the delivery of inclusive teaching and learning
Understanding assessment in education and training
- Understand types and methods of assessment used in education and training
- Understand how to involve learners and others in the assessment process
- Understand the role and use of constructive feedback in the assessment process
- Understand requirements for keeping records of assessment in education and training
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your individual learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Please note that this course content is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
This course is for learners who want to teach in further education and have a subject specialism.
No prior knowledge of teaching is required but you will need to:
- *hold a Level 2 English qualification and have the potential to work at Level 3
- *hold a relevant vocational and/or academic award, ideally at Level 3, and/or
have substantial vocational experience in the subject area you want to teach
* Talk to us if you don’t have these awards because you may be able to take an entry assessment activity to demonstrate you can work at the level required. Once on the programme you may also want to enrol on to a Digital Skills, Maths and/or English course which we can help you with.
On this course you will need to:
- follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace
- listen and join in group discussions
- present information in front of your peers
- jot down notes to record relevant information
- keep your work organised in a file
- conduct research from a number of different sources including websites, books and journals
- use a PC/laptop or tablet for research or to present your work and to access learning sites/platforms
- meet set deadlines and word count for assignments
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide many of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
You will need access to a computer and the internet outside of college to complete assignments and research. You might qualify to have a laptop on loan for the duration of the course, if you don’t have access to one of your own.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation/demonstration followed by a range of interactive activities with plenty of revision and consolidation of learning building on previous learning.
Your progress will be monitored by formal and informal assessment tasks, and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
The qualification is made up of 3 units and a micro teach session which you will deliver to your peers in class. It is expected that you spend time at home to complete homework tasks, conduct research and consolidate learning. Drafts of assignments will be completed in class and typed at home ready for submission.
A completed portfolio of evidence is compiled, assessed and internally quality assured prior to submitting to Ascentis for external verification and certification.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, you can progress to level 4 or 5 education and training courses, Hugh Baird College offers the following courses:
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, Preparatory and Level 5 Certificate in Education (Education and Training).
City of Liverpool, Southport and St Helens colleges also offer the Level 5 Certificate in Education course.
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Enrol for an Education and Training Course
When you've decided the course that's right for you (see the list below) register with us online to enrol - this will only take a moment to do! All learners need to enrol as soon as possible and before course date to ensure their places.
Check out our Prospectus for Spring 2025
We also offer a wide variety of further education, including vital maths and English skills, training and courses too improve employability and useful life skills to improve your confidence and well being.
To view the other courses we offer, download your prospectus today!
Meet some of our Learners and Staff
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