Gateshead College
Vocational courses
Vocational study programmes, such as BTEC and NVQs are practical and hands on. Choosing this type of course will equip you with skills in a specific sector or trade. Your progress in assessed through projects and practical work and contact with employers is frequent to ensure you build your skills and knowledge ready for the real world.
If you're practical, hands-on, don't like exams and want to focus on one subject area, then a vocational route could be right for you. Successful completion of a vocational study programme can lead to higher level study programmes, university, an apprenticeship or straight into work.
Project Choice
As a fully inclusive college, Gateshead College pride themselves on offering the very best quality of education to the whole community, which includes those with learning difficulties, physical and sensory disabilities and those with a specific learning difficulty.
Part of their offer includes Project Choice, an award-winning programme which gives young people with learning difficulties and disabilities the employment edge and the skills and experience needed to get into work.
They focus on supporting you to develop the skills and confidence to become more independent and prepare for the next stages of life, whether that's further study, work or volunteering.
They will design your learning around your needs and those shown in your education, health and care plan (EHCP). Supported by their experienced, dedicated team, you'll work towards personal goals in a safe, secure and supportive environment.
There are three pathways designed to provide a personalised learning programme:
Independence (1 year)
Develop confidence, social and independence skills. At college, you'll complete a full-time study programme exploring further education or employment pathways. You'll also take part in enrichment sessions and complete work experience.
Discovery (1 year)
Further develop your understanding of employment, the world of work and take part in work experience. Explore options in mainstream to help discover the right pathway for you, with travel training support if needed. You'll aspire to securing paid employment in the future.
Employment (2 years)
Prepare for the world of work and lead onto a supported internship, focusing on work placement and applying for work. Finish being work ready and aspire to find paid employment. You'll need an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to access this pathway.