Work Based Learning Taster days for LLDD Charmaine Bryan – Project Manager Skills and Learning for London Partnership

Aims of the Project Lack of progression into WBL by learners with LLDD Develop understanding of the world of work and the skills required for work by LLDD. Develop a series of taster days Information packs produced for parents and carers on the routes into WBL. A support programme for parents and carers

LLDD Strategy Learning for Living and Working in London Goal 1 To expand employment opportunities and improve progression routes into employment of different kinds. Goal 2 To better understand what learners and employers want

Project Activity 28 learners took part in the WBL taster sessions 3 WBL providers agreed to offer taster days  1 meeting was held between the WBL providers and teachers  5 schools agreed to let their students take part in the programme  2 meetings were arranged for parents  An information pack has been produced for parents/carers on routes into WBL

Impact of the taster days on the learners Employability Skills – team working, communication, time keeping, good attendance Personal Qualities – Social skills, co-operation, good work attitude, good team spirit Activities they took part in – gardening, making biscuit and toast, introduction to household electrics

Feedback from the Providers Everyone gained from the experience. All the tutors felt that the students were keen and enthusiastic and that the students learnt about different subjects areas throughout the two taster days. All students worked very hard, they were a terrific group to work with. Staff developed a good rapport with the learners. The staff found the project to be very enjoyable and rewarding. Many of them have said that they would welcome the opportunity to work with these learners again.

Feedback from the Schools We thought this project provided the additional benefit of allaying the fears of many of our students’ parents who are concerned about the post 16 provision for their young people. The funding for a teaching assistant to attend with the student was a really important aspect in the success of the placement The taster days were very successful and we would like to take part again next year We would allow more students to visit Springboard for work experience and feel it was a very valuable experience for our learner.

Feedback from the students Students loved their taster days at Merton College. Their favourite session was the childcare. The taster days were excellent. They all said they would do the taster courses again; Some students said that the tasters inspired them to think about what they wanted to go onto post 16.

Sustainability of the project The schools and providers have said they would like to build on the links they have developed during this project

Recommendations for Phase 2 Offer more young LLDD the opportunity to take part in work based learning taster days SLLP should work with more schools, colleges and training providers The continue need to address the lack of progression into WBL by LLDD and the need to develop understanding of the world of work and the employability skills required for work by LLDD Produce case studies illustrating LLDD learners taking part in taster days The parents/carers support programme should be developed An easy read version of the information packs for parents should be produced for young LLDD