STEPS (Supported Transition and Employment Pathways)

Study programmes in the STEPS area are for learners with additional support needs and/or barriers to work who aspire to achieve their own goals for employment. Programmes are tailored to suit the individual needs of learners and provide pathways to employment via supported internships, work experience, voluntary work and engagement in enterprise activities. Programmes aim to equip learners with the skills, confidence and autonomy required to reach their own goals for learning, life and work by offering an introduction to the appropriate skills and concepts required by industry and developing entrepreneurial skills.

Access to a wide range of specialist resources and facilities provides exciting opportunities for learners to develop their skills in an active environment. Resources include café and training kitchens, specialist workshops and job coaches who provide one to one support in the work place.

Course Content
Key curriculum components of the STEPS programme include:

• Supporting Learners to Identify Realistic Goals for Employment


• Providing Tailored Support Including Job Coaching in the Workplace and/or Extended Work Placement Training


• Providing CV Writing Support


• Developing Interview and Personal Presentation Skills


• Developing Customer Service Skills


• Supporting Learners to Achieve Increased Levels of Social and Academic Confidence


• Empowering Learners to Take Responsibility for their own Learning and Self Development

Delivery is through a learner-centred approach and a wide range of exciting subjects*. Practical teaching and learning methods are preferred, taking place in educational, community and employment contexts. There is a strong emphasis on the development of skills for employability through enterprise activity, including the enhancement of Functional Skills by embedding literacy and maths in all curriculum subjects. This includes: Hospitality and Catering • Media, photography and ICT • Horticulture • Community Engagement • Practical Projects • Supported Work Experience • Enterprise Activities • Retail • Carpentry and Craft Skills

*Please note: Curriculum subjects and access to specialist resource may vary between campuses and specifi c programmes.

Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements however learners should demonstrate a commitment to working towards the achievement of realistic personal goals for employment.

Career Opportunities

Part-time supported, sheltered or mainstream employment.

Course Progression

Following completion of a STEPS programme, learners may be able to progress to further study programmes within this area

or progress onto a vocational course.

How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme.
Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible.
You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester
(for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL

Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

If you are currently at school, please check with them as some schools will be coordinating applications centrally.
If you have any further questions about the application process, please visit our
Frequently Asked Questions page.

Applying for a Full-Time course

Our term starts the week commencing 5th September 2016,
however you may have different start dates depending on the course.
You will receive the details of your first day over the summer period,
but if you are unsure please call our Course Enquiries line on (01206) 712777.

You will need to complete an application form for our full-time courses,
our full-time application form can be downloaded here:

Download Application Form - Full-Time Courses, Apprenticeships & Access Courses (PDF)

Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email or card within one week of the application being received by our Admissions team,
if you do not receive this you should contact the team on (01206) 712777 to check that your application has been received.