Educational Alternatives: Online Learning
As the end of term looms closer, questions about what we’re up after summer or what our life plan...
Educational Alternatives: Prince’s Trust Programme
As the end of term looms closer, questions about what we’re up after summer or what our life plan is for the future arise. Yero investigates the education routes that aren’t always the most obvious choices – this one is a Level 1 Qualification, The Prince’s Trust Programme.
Post-16 education doesn’t always have to be the traditional route of sixth forms and college A Levels; it’s not for everyone. In our last Educational Alternatives article, we mentioned that when you do your research, you should always make sure you’re looking for courses and further learning opportunities that cater to your needs and interests.
So if you do decide to go through the college route, colleges such as City of Bristol provide vocational and personal development courses. These types of courses are a great way to build confidence, work on community projects, and meet new people. This Level 1 qualification certificate will prepare you for further education and employment and will stand out on your CV.
Photo courtesy of City of Bristol College/Prince’s Trust Programme
Tobie, 16, Prine’s Trust Programme Participant
Who is the Prince’s Trust Programme For?
The Prince’s Trust is a charity set up solely to help young people and run programmes all over the country. Bristol’s Prince’s Trust Programme is available for 16-25-year olds who aren’t currently in education, or work and are looking for some extra help or encouragement as they try and find out what they want to do as a post-16 alternative. If you’re on Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) you can apply to the programme. The course is intense and takes place every working day at Ashley Down Centre, South Bristol Skills Academy (SBSA) and AEC Parkway.
Photo courtesy of City of Bristol College/The Prince’s Trust Programme
Luke, 21, Prince’s Trust Programme Participant
What does the course entail exactly?
During the 12 weeks you can expect to:
- uncover hidden talents
- spend a week away at a residential activity centre
- complete a work placement
- get involved in a community project
- stage a team presentation
Photo courtesy of City of Bristol College/The Prince’s Trust Programme
MORE THAN 70 PERCENT OF UNEMPLOYED PARTICIPANTS GO ON TO JOBS OR TRAINING WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF COMPLETION
The 12 weeks are jam-packed with residential activities such as rock climbing or water sports, a community project such as regenerating a garden, a chance to work on your CV and get a week of work experience and a final challenge that will help you develop your personal skills. It’s fun and challenging but it will also equip you with the confidence and knowledge to know what you want to do next, and also give you a Level 1 Qualification.
This is all completely free
So if you’re interested in this type of vocational course, we advise you to speak to an advisor or someone at City of Bristol College. The Prince’s Trust Programme is always recruiting, and if you’re still unsure about what you want to do after there’s a course starting in September.
Has this article helped you in any way? Have you had an alternative education or are you thinking of one? Let us know — @rifemag
Related Links:
Find out more about the Prince’s Trust Programme and the Prince’s Trust
Find out more about other courses at City of Bristol College
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About the author
Yero Timi-Biu
Yero is a 22-year-old writer-director for TV and film and former (self-professed) serial intern. She took a detour through fashion when at aged 16, she took part in a documented internship with BBC Blast, where 10 teenagers had 6 months to create and showcase a fashion label. Subsequently, she then went on to study a Fashion Communication degree in London and graduated in 2013. Yero has recently returned to the UK after 3 months in New York, where she attended a Screenwriting workshop. With a keen interest in broadcast, Yero has always been interested in using writing, film and audio as a form of creating conversations, tackling the stigma of talking about social issues, as well as documenting and promoting underrepresented people in society. She is especially interested in raising awareness of mental health issues, long-term illnesses and encouraging well being, (especially within young people who may want to pursue a creative career).
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