Some GCSE courses for adults funded by County Training from this September
From September 2015 adults across Shropshire will have the opportunity to complete a GCSE in English or Maths fully funded by County Training.
County Training, part of Shropshire Council, and also the largest provider of private training in Shropshire, will be offering GCSE courses to adults for the first time, as a response to the Government strategy to improve post-16 numeracy and literacy. Government research has found that 40% of pupils do not get GCSE grades A* to C in English and Maths by age 16 and 90% of those who don’t reach this basic standard by 16, don’t achieve it by age 19. A GCSE at grade C or above is a valuable qualification for adults, and the GCSEs will assess many of the skills that employers tell the Government they need.
The courses will be held once a week, per GCSE, and will take the academic year to complete. Throughout the course all candidates will have an allocated course tutor to help them progress through all components of the GCSE qualification; from teaching the content, to exam and assessment preparation.
Craig Birch, County Training’s English and Maths Curriculum Manager, said:
“Achieving a GCSE in English or Maths will not only increase your confidence in work but will also demonstrate to employers that you have the numeracy and literacy skills they’re looking for. Achieving the GCSE can also increase your job prospects and opportunities for promotion, as well as enhancing your CV and giving you access to higher level courses such as an undergraduate degree.”
The GCSE courses will be funded by the Skills Funding Agency, and to be eligible for funding candidates must be aged 19 or over and must not already have a GCSE in English/Maths at grade C or above. The courses are also available to those who are employed or unemployed. Candidates can choose to complete either one or both subjects.
Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, encouraged local people to take up this opportunity:
“This is a great opportunity for our community to gain a qualification which many will believe they only get the chance to complete at school. Completing a GCSE in English and Maths will not only be a huge benefit to the individual but also to our labour market.”
County Training are offering taster sessions to those who would like to find out more about the courses. The taster sessions are running on 30 June 2015 and 1 September 2015 in Shrewsbury, and in Telford the taster sessions will be held on 7 July 2015 and 2 September 2015. To attend a taster session it is essential to book a place by contacting County Training.
With centres across Shropshire as well as offering GCSEs, County Training also offers training and apprenticeships in the following areas: business and administration, brewing, childcare, education, computer-aided design, customer service, hair and beauty, health and social care, horse management, hospitality and catering, IT, motor vehicles, management, and warehouse and storage; as well as a wide range of recreational part time courses at The Gateway Education & Arts Centre in Shrewsbury.
In February 2015 County Training secured a ‘good’ Grade 2 in its Ofsted report, with outstanding grading awarded for health and social care, safeguarding and leadership and management, placing it as a leading training provider in Shropshire.
For more information, to register your interest or book to attend a taster session please contact County Training on 0345 678 9023 or email countytraining@shropshire.gov.uk.
