Partner Article

College Scheme to Boost Job Prospects in Preston

Preston’s College has formed a unique partnership with Preston City Council to improve the employability of young people in the region.

The further education provider has developed two project-based learning programmes in fitness & leisure and Early Years Education that will enable 33 school leavers aged 16-18 to pursue a career in these chosen professions.

The courses, which begin in September 2015, combine on-site training and academic teaching, incorporating the College’s unique project-based learning approach.

Fitness & leisure students will receive three days commercial experience and two days teaching at West View and Fulwood Leisure Centre, which includes roles in leisure assistance, coaching and front of house - working towards nationally-recognised qualifications in Activity Leadership, Leisure Operations and Gym Instructor.

The College’s Early Years Cadetship Academy was born out of the What Women Want campaign - a unique scheme from Preston City Council that encouraged women and girls over the age of 14 in areas of low participation in sport and physical exercise to get active.

As part of the programme, Preston’s College Early Years learners launched a free of charge crèche facility for participants. The huge success of the scheme has seen the crèche continue every Wednesday at West View Leisure Centre and is now a paid-for function for babies and young children.

During the Cadetship, fifteen students will receive on-site work experience and knowledge development at West View Leisure Centre, working towards Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Early Years Education.

Cabinet member for culture and leisure, Councillor Veronica Afrin, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work on creating the next generation of leisure staff, who hopefully stay and work in Preston.

“This joint initiative will provide students the real live experience that no amount of classroom theory sessions can deliver. Preston City Council are looking forward to welcoming the first students in September and are confident that they will be the first of many who we train up to the industry standard.”

David Smith, head of school for sport, exercise and public services at Preston’s College, added: “Our project-based learning approach was so well received by South Ribble Borough Council that it was a natural fit to roll out the scheme further afield and it’s great to have Preston City Council on-board as our newest employee partner.”

Jason Waldron, head of school for health, social care & early years at Preston’s College, concluded: “The newly-launched Early Years Cadetship Academy gives students the best of both worlds: real work experience and academic qualifications to ensure they’ve the right skills and experience that employers want.

“Our partnership with Preston City Council enables students to learn on the job at a local crèche facility and with limited availability, we’re urging soon-to-be school leavers to act fast and secure their place before it’s too late.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Preston's College .