Study Programme at Swarthmore- Preparation for Progression

The Supported Internships at Swarthmore is called 'Preparation for Progression' and is a two-year programme that aims to support young people to progress into the area of their choice.

Progression routes might include voluntary work, apprenticeships, or paid employment.

Pathway 1

In year 1 of PfP learners will focus on building their confidence, knowledge and skills linked to the world of work. During this first year, the main focuses are on Gatsby Benchmarks 1, 3, 5 and 6.

As well as continuing with English and maths at the relevant level, and life skills sessions, learners will take part in visits to employers and different workplaces as well as attending talks from employers in centre.

Learners will also take part in work placement tasters and can progress onto longer, training-focused, placements when ready. The taster placements can be as little as one session, and aim to help the learners gain a ‘taste’ of the world of work. It is just as important to find out what our students don’t like, as it is to find out what they do like. The longer placements offer learners an opportunity to build their skills specific to the job role, and gain valuable transferable skills.

Pathway 2

In year 2 learners will carry on working on English and maths at the relevant level, but there is a bigger focus on Preparation for Progression.

Learners will take part in specific employability lessons where they will create a video CV and learn how to search for jobs and apprenticeships, and apply for any relevant opportunities. Learners will also continue to take part in visits to employers and employer talks. Work placement hours are likely to increase.

Learners will also be supported by job coaches.

As well as focused employability sessions, learners will take part in a number of enterprise projects. These are small projects that will help learners to gain lots of transferable skills and put existing skills to use. They will work as a team to produce and sell products. They will need to work out costs and handle money, be punctual and productive and show quality control. IT skills will also be developed during these projects.

Here are all the Gatsby Benchmarks which will be worked on:

1. A stable careers programme
2. Learning from career and labour market information
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
5. Encounters with employers and employees
6. Experiences of workplaces
7. Encounters with further and higher education
8. Personal guidance