FINCHALE TRAINING COLLEGE GUIDE Contents Page Introduction to Finchale Training College 1 How to Access Courses and Funding 1 Equal opportunities and Access for People from Ethnic Minorities 2 Support Services 2 Support Learning 3 Residential Services 4 Finchale Training College Location Map 7 Vocational Training and Employment Opportunities * Electrical, IT and Network Training 8 * Accounting and Administrative Training 14 * Distribution and Warehousing Training 18 * Horticulture Training 22 * Construction, Maintenance and Joinery Training 26 Introduction to Finchale Training College We are a national, specialist college providing customised programmes of vocational rehabilitation to unemployed, disabled adults. Our objective is to help you to gain and retain work. We are a Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. Situated approximately 3 miles from the Cathedral and University of Durham we have 13.5acres of pleasant grounds, with easy access by road (the A1M), rail (East Coast Main Line station at Durham) or air (Newcastle and Durham/Tees Valley airports) and our trainees come to us from all over England, Scotland and Wales. (Please see the map on page 7) We actively encourage health, welfare and employment professionals and anyone considering becoming a trainee, to visit the College. Every Wednesday afternoon we have a tour of the College for prospective trainees so please telephone our General Reception (0191 3862634) for further details or visit our website at www.finchalecollege.co.uk where additional information is available. How to Access Courses and Funding Funding for you to attend Finchale Training College comes principally through Jobcentre Plus. This means that you should not have to meet any of the costs to attend the College because all training fees, training materials and course books needed during your studies are provided free of charge. You do not have to be formally registered as disabled to come to Finchale. Our trainees experience a wide range of physical, mental and medical health issues. What they all have in common is an experience of unemployment and barriers to work. If you are interested in any of our courses, in the first instance please contact the Disability Employment Adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus office; alternatively, for further information contact Admissions (0191 3746104). We can also make arrangements for you to visit the College to help you make your decision. Once you have decided to apply for a course you must apply through your Disability Employment Adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus office. We will arrange for an assessment visit to the College and once you have been accepted we will enrol you on the first available vacancy on your chosen course. The College is open for 48 weeks a year and new trainees start every two weeks. Equal Opportunities and Access for People from Ethnic Minorities At Finchale Training College we have a strong culture of equal opportunities and race equality policies and we welcome trainees regardless of sex, ethnic group or national origin, colour, social class, religion, age, marital status, disability or past history. We positively encourage entry onto College courses from those who cannot access suitable provision in their home areas. Facilities for private worship are available in the College and our location lends easy access to cultural and religious centres throughout the region. Special diets can also be arranged. During inspection by the Adult Learning Inspectorate in March 2007 we were awarded a Grade 1 for our policies and practices in relation to inclusion of trainees. Support Services Finchale Training College has a national reputation for good practice in addressing individual need. A range of support services are available and integrated as part of your programme. In addition to your vocational training, we also provide: Advocacy Support and Counselling The Advocacy Support and Counselling Service (ASC) is available to all trainees at Finchale Training College and is part of our ongoing commitment to your emotional health and well-being, personal support, welfare rights and benefits. The service is discrete and confidential. Our Counsellors are available to offer information and support with emotional, personal, family or any other issues and difficulties that you have. Finchale College provides residential programmes and being away from home can make minor problems seem much bigger than they are. Our team of trained counsellors can help shoulder the burden and offer practical information and active support to overcome them. Advocacy support is available to assist and represent you in legal areas such as disability rights, housing and benefits and this support is provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau whose advisers work with the College. The College also has a working partnership with the North East Council on Addictions (NECA) whose advisers work with trainees in College. A special support service is also available to ex-offenders. Health Centre We have two experienced nurses on duty in the health centre each day, i.e. a Registered General Nurse and a Registered Mental Health Nurse. Qualified First Aiders are always on site and medical support is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are committed to your health, emotional well-being and physical fitness and can provide other services, such as physical or therapeutic support, if you require it. The College is dedicated to the success of trainees and their physical and mental health is vital to ensure this happens. Our facilities within the College are extensive enough to deal with most emergencies and we are within 3 miles of Durham's premier hospital should the need arise. Support for Learning Our Learning Resources Team provides a range of individual programmes to help you to improve your functional and employability skills. Literacy, Numeracy and IT skills are embedded in all vocational training areas as well as through specialist literacy, numeracy and IT workshops in our learning resource centre. LITERACY – Almost everybody can benefit from some additional help in their basic English. An additional level of spelling and grammar can help you not only with creating a job application that sells you to an employer, but also helps you in your everyday life. It's a skill which can enhance your life as well as your job opportunities. We will also accredit your achievement through City & Guilds Certificates in Adult Literacy Levels 1&2, and the EDexcel Certificate in Adult Literacy Entry Level. NUMERACY – Skill with numbers is key in securing a job as more and more employers require some knowledge of maths. It can also give you the confidence to discuss your personal finances with banks and building societies and in your social life. We will also accredit your achievement through City & Guilds Certificates in Adult Numeracy Levels 1&2 and the EDexcel Certificate in Adult Numeracy Entry Level. COMMUNICATION – Good communication is essential in gaining and retaining a job. To make the most of yourself at interview you must be able to understand interview techniques and be able to answer questions plainly and with relevance. Once established in a job, you must be able to voice your opinions clearly and be able to take instruction from co-workers. Our specialists can help you achieve these goals. INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SKILLS – Modern society demands that people have an understanding of computers and their usage. The College has specialists in this area who will offer high levels of tuition. You can earn qualifications in this area in addition to your own subject. In particular, we recommend the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) which is the recognised European standard as a qualification for computer use. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT – This programme helps you to organise your personal life so as to minimise stress while improving your effectiveness. Specialists can help you improve your decision-making and problem-solving which can have an immediate impact on your private life as you gain greater control of your time. This programme includes "taster" sessions concerned with occupational areas. LEARNDIRECT – The College is a registered Learndirect Centre and part of the national network offering an extensive selection of Learndirect courses. Within the first 4 weeks you will be enrolled as a Learndirect trainee and can begin taking advantage of the courses on offer. The courses are available online, in our training and recreational IT suites and from home. They are intended to complement our comprehensive range of vocational courses and help to enhance your learning opportunities. Many of the courses can lead to recognised qualifications and cover areas such as Skills for Life, ICT, and Business and Management. The online courses make the learning experience both accessible and enjoyable and should help you to increase your skills and employment opportunities. All these courses are free to you as a trainee. COMMUNICATION SUPPORT - We have specialist support in neuro-diversity, encompassing dyslexia, dyspraxia, Asperger syndrome and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Tuition is provided on a 1:1 basis. This will include coaching to help develop strategies to limit the adverse effects of these conditions on both learning and life. Our specialists have extensive knowledge of systems and techniques to help you overcome problems in order to maximise the benefit derived from the training. Learning strategies are passed on to the relevant vocational instructors in order to make training more effective. Residential Services We have a range of both smoking and non-smoking residential accommodation to suit all needs: · Purpose-built bungalows which are fully wheelchair accessible and have en-suite wheelchair accessible showers · Comfortable single bedroom accommodation (some with en-suite facilities) · Welcoming television lounge · Play Station and computer games centre · Resources Learning Centre – for individual study and internet research · A full size snooker table and a pool table · Satellite television with full Sky package. A DVD and video are also available for pre-recorded entertainment · All rooms have power and aerial points should you wish to bring your own electrical equipment (Sky can be watched in your room but the channel is determined by the central console) · Patio games such as giant chess, draughts, Connect4 and Jenga · Sports field for 5-a-side football, rounders or other outdoor games · On-site gym. Qualified trainers and training programmes are available · The Camping & Walking Club often goes on visits with the Camera Club · Sea fishing trips are a regular feature (weather permitting) LEISURE TIME - We have a team of Residential Officers and, whatever your interests or hobbies, you'll find something to suit you at Finchale. In the evenings you can choose from a wide range of activities supervised by qualified staff. So all you need is your enthusiasm! If you are feeling energetic, why not visit the nearby Leisure Centre which offers concessions to Finchale trainees. Alternatively, as mentioned, we have our own on site fitness facility. If you want to, you can do extra study in the Learning Resource Centre. We always welcome suggestions for new leisure pursuits and will do our best to put your ideas into practice. So, from the day you join us, you're only limited by your imagination. Some recent programmes include: · Deep sea fishing · Walking & camping · Film evenings · Quiz nights · Latest feature films · Paintball · Cycling · Golf · Ice skating · Ten pin bowling · Swimming · Photography Programmes vary to mirror the interests of residential trainees and so change as trainees arrive and leave. Costs are kept to a minimum and College transport is used wherever possible. MEALS - Breakfast and evening meals are provided free of charge to residential trainees and lunch is free to all trainees in our on-site cafeteria. Freshly-made sandwiches are available as are a range of salads. Cooked and continental breakfasts are available and a choice of three hot dishes, including a vegetarian option, is available on the lunch and dinner menus. Special diets for cultural or medical reasons are also available on advice. There are no self-catering facilities, but vending machines are sited in the recreational areas of the College. Housekeeping Washing machines, tumble dryers, irons and ironing boards are available for your use, a small charge is made for washing and drying facilities. Bedding is provided and is washed and changed for you and the rooms and facilities are regularly cleaned by our domestic staff. Travelling Expenses For residential trainees we will pay your expenses to travel home after every two weeks of training when training finishes on a Thursday, allowing more time for you to visit your family and friends. You may, of course, travel home every weekend but you would pay for your own travel on these "short weekends". If you choose to travel to and from the College on a daily basis you will be reimbursed the cost of your daily travel expenses. If you are on Job Seekers' Allowance, you will be expected to pay the first £4. Finchale Training College Location Map VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Electrical, Wiring, IT and Network Training Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a … Basic Network Technician The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. It will prepare you to work as a qualified Basic Network technician in a variety of public organisations such as hospitals, colleges, schools and local authorities, and private contractors servicing a wide range of employers. The most common types of employment achieved by trainees have been: · Network Engineer · Network Administrator · ICT Support Technician Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to start at £17,000 - £20,000. (Annual income figures obtained from Netacad, Cisco Systems 2007). The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. During your training you will undertake both theoretical and practical training using the classroom and laboratory available in the training area. The course will follow the on-line Cisco CCNA programme and will help you to acquire knowledge, skills and expertise in Networking, Routers, Switching and Installation needed for employment in this sector. Cisco is a major international company supplying internetworking hardware to all sectors using IT. If you already have significant experience of this area of employment and have sufficient levels of literacy and numeracy you will be able to enter the course directly. If not, entry will be through an initial foundation programme of up to 8 weeks based on the Cisco IT Essentials 1 certificate. The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is also available to increase your knowledge of IT and computer skills which in turn will enhance your employment prospects. Training for the Portable Appliance Testing Certificate is also available where employers are seeking this qualification as a pre-condition of employment. Good levels of literacy and numeracy skills are vital for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your course will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 36 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of the course: BILL, 20, had had a long history of anxiety and depression and had never worked. He did not have any relevant qualifications or experience but with support and encouragement, developed his skills to the high standards required to be employed as a network technician. After undertaking a work placement in the IT support section of a large college of further education he gained employment as an IT Support Engineer at a local print design company. ALAN, 51. In spite of experiencing severe muscle wastage in his lower limbs, successfully developed his skills to the required standard to gain sustained employment as an IT systems support technician. He obtained a 10 week placement with his Local Authority and went on to achieve agency work as an IT Support Engineer. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area · Literacy and numeracy skills at or working towards level 2 · Good manual dexterity · Ability to distinguish colours · Ability to sit and work at a bench/desk · Good social skills Gaining Employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a… CompTIA A+ Technician The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. It will prepare you to work as a qualified entry grade PC technician in a variety of public organisations such as hospitals, colleges, schools and local authorities, and private contractors servicing a wide range of employers. The most common types of employment achieved by trainees have been: · Help Desk technicians · Call Centre technicians · Field Technicians · Bench engineers Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to start at £17,000. (Annual income figures obtained from Netacad, Cisco Systems 2007). The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. During your training you will undertake both theoretical and practical training using the classrooms and laboratories available in the College and practical simulated work on the College's large stock of equipment. The course will be based on Cisco IT Essentials 1, which will give you an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems; depending on progress and work available in your home area you will also take the CompTIA A+ certificate. Obtaining A+ certification requires passing two exams: one on core PC hardware and software, the other on job-related technologies. The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is also available to increase your employment potential. Training for the Portable Appliance Testing Certificate is also available where employers are seeking this qualification as a pre-condition of employment. Good levels of literacy and numeracy skills are vital for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your course will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 36 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of completing the course: GAYLE, 39, had no formal PC maintenance qualifications and a background of dyslexia, dyscalculia and depression. After completing her 34-week course she undertook a 10-week placement at a local comprehensive school. This experience led to employment with a prestigious pharmaceutical company and a bright future in IT. LARRY, 49, had experienced a brain haemorrhage, together with sciatica and severe back pain. He had no relevant previous work experience or IT qualifications but after a 34-week training programme, was ready for work and committed to employment thanks to his own hard work, the encouragement of the College and a 10-week work placement. As a direct result of this commitment he gained employment with a specialist IT company installing and configuring systems. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course · Good manual dexterity · Ability to distinguish colours · Ability to sit and work at a bench · Good social skills Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a... Wiring Installation Technician The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. It will prepare you to work as a qualified entry-grade Wiring Installation Technician in a variety of public organisations such as hospitals, site work, colleges, schools and local authorities, and private contractors servicing a wide range of employers. The most common types of employment achieved by trainees have been: · Wiring Installation Technician (1st and 2nd fix) · Street Lighting Installation · Portable Appliance Testing · Data Cabling Installation Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to start at £17,500. (Annual income figures obtained from JIB Industrial Determination 2005/2006/ 2007) The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. During your training you will undertake both theoretical and practical training using the classrooms and laboratories available in the College, or simulated practical work on the College's Wiring Rig. The course will commence with the City & Guilds 2381: Certificate for the Requirements for Electrical Installation: BS 7671, which will give you an in-depth exposure to domestic cabling, and incorporate an introduction to the practicalities of data cabling at the same time. Obtaining the certification requires passing exams. The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is also available to raise the level of IT and computer skills and allow candidates to be more productive at work and build on their knowledge of information technology. Training for the Portable Appliance Testing Certificate is also available where employers are seeking this qualification as a pre-condition of employment. Good levels of literacy and numeracy skills are vital for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your course will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 32 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of completing the course: GEORGE, 35, had a history of depression and stress-related issues. He had no previous experience in the electrical field and lived in the Newcastle area. After training at the College with our multi-disciplinary team of experts and his own commitment, he gained his 16th Edition Institute of Electrical Engineer, Portable Appliance Testing and CITB qualifications. After a work placement with a local cabling company he obtained employment as an electrician's mate with a top electrical company installing domestic equipment. FRED 46, had a history of spinal injuries and hypertension and had lost confidence in his own abilities to regain employment. He commenced a work placement with a utilities company carrying out street lighting and has now been employed in a supervisory role. He had no previous history of work in this sector but his commitment to work meant that he completed the full programme in 30 weeks. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course · Good manual dexterity · Ability to distinguish colours · Ability to climb ladders, kneel down and sit and work at a bench · Good social skills Accounting and Administrative Training Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as an... Accounting Technician The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. It will prepare you to work as a qualified Accounting Technician for a range of employers including financial service companies, accounting forms and various large and small businesses. You will also be able to register with local employment agencies for a variety of temporary posts which will enhance your CV as well as leading to permanent work. The most common types of employment gained by trainees who have completed this programme have been: · Accounts Assistant · Credit Control Assistant · Book Keeper · Purchase Ledger Clerk · Sales Ledger Clerk The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. Payroll is not offered as part of this package. Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to start from £12,000 to £20,000 approximately. Local agency work is paid by the hour and is likely to range from £6.00 - £12.00 per hour depending on the nature of the work. (Source: local agency) During your training programme at Finchale, you will gain up-to-date knowledge and skills in appropriate subject areas which are essential for working in this sector. For example, being able to assist with a variety of accounting responsibilities to meet company demands will require a proficient understanding of double-entry booking keeping, ledger management and reconciliations, accurate skills in information technology and good communication skills. We will advise you as to the most appropriate course requirements according to your ability, previous experience, knowledge and employment goals. The programme content will ensure that you are suitably equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet today's employment needs and offers both the Association of Accounting Technicians (Diploma Pathway) Certificate and Advanced Certificate. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your programme will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. This will include CV and job application preparation. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. Good literacy and numeracy skills are essential for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer, if required. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 42 weeks, including holidays, followed by a10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of the course are: SALLY, 21, had previously worked in numerous short term jobs and had developed significant anxiety and depression. Thanks to her dedication and effort she completed her programme, undertook a work placement and gained employment as a Purchase Ledger Clerk with a specialist accountancy recruitment agency. She is now well on the way to building a lasting career in accountancy. JOHN, 36, had previously worked as an industrial metal worker before injuring his back in a work accident. He was unable to continue his previous employment but attained both the Intermediate & Advanced Certificates in Accountancy within 42 weeks of joining the College. He also completed the European Computer Driving Licence programme to improve his employability and after a work placement, gained employment as an Interim Purchase Ledger Clerk through a well-known national recruitment agency. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course · Ability to sit and work at a desk Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a... Administrative Assistant The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. The content of the programme will prepare you to work as a qualified Administrative Assistant in a range of employers including local authorities, hospitals, schools, large and small organisations. You will also be able to register with local employment agencies for a variety of temporary posts which will enhance your CV as well as leading to permanent work. The most common types of employment gained by trainees who have completed this programme have been: · Administrative Assistant · Clerical Officer · Receptionist/Telephonist · Date Entry Clerk · Call Centre Operative The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to start from £10,000 to £15,000 approximately. Local agency work is paid by the hour and is likely to range from £6.00- £10.00 per hour depending on the nature of the work. (Source: local agency) During your training programme at Finchale, you will gain up-to-date knowledge and skills in appropriate subject areas which are essential for working in this sector. For example, being able to produce a variety of business documentation to meet company demands will require a proficient understanding of office procedures, accurate skills in information technology and good communication skills. The programme content will ensure that you are suitably equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet today's employment needs. The programme will commence with work towards the City and Guilds Pitman Certificate in Administration level 2 awards. We will advise you as to the most appropriate course requirements according to your ability, previous experience, knowledge and employment goals. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your programme will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. This will include CV and job application preparation. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. Good literacy and numeracy skills are essential for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer, if required. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 42 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of the course are: JOYCE, 44, had not worked for 16 years and had experienced significant stress, anxiety and depression as well as physical difficulties. Commencing the level 2 programmes she completed it fully within 42 weeks and also achieved certificates in literacy and numeracy at level 2 and ECDL. As a direct result of a work placement in the regional HQ of an important Government Office she obtained a full time position as an administration clerk. RON, 27, had had a variety of factory and labouring jobs but due to physical problems was unable to cope with the work. He completed his training programme in Administration within 20 weeks and added ECDL, data processing, literacy and numeracy awards to increase his employability. Trainees are encouraged to improve their job seeking skills by applying to companies for vacancies. In this instance Ron had applied to a local company and was offered a job as an Administrative Assistant without needing a work placement. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course · Ability to operate and use relevant office equipment · Good social skills Distribution and Warehousing Training Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a... Forklift Truck Driver The aim of this work-related programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. The content of the programme will prepare you to work as a qualified Forklift Truck Driver for a range of employers including warehousing and logistics companies and large and small retail organisations. You will also be able to register with local employment agencies for a variety of temporary posts which will enhance your CV as well as leading to permanent work. The most common types of employment gained by trainees who have completed this programme have been: · Fork Lift Truck Driver · Warehouse Operative · Store Person · Warehouse Order Picker/Packer The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. Telescopic training and Rough Terrain are not offered as part of this package. Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to start from £12,000 to £15,000 approximately. Local agency work is paid by the hour and is likely to range from £6.00 - £12.00 per hour depending on the nature of the work. (Source: local agency) During your training programme at Finchale, you will gain up-to-date knowledge and skills in appropriate subject areas which are essential for working in this vocational field. For example, being able to assist with a variety of warehousing responsibilities to meet company demands will require a proficient understanding of health and safety, truck operation, vehicle loading/unloading, care and maintenance and good communication skills. The programme content will ensure that you are suitably equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet today's employment needs. The programme will commence with work towards the RTITB Counterbalance and Reach Truck certificates. We will advise you as to the most appropriate course requirements according to your ability, previous experience, knowledge and employment goals. You will already have identified employment vacancies in your home area before you start the course. An integral part of your programme will include CV writing and job applications. Good literacy and numeracy skills are essential for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer, if required. The length of the course is up to 4 weeks. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of the course are: DAN, 45, had worked as a boatman/labourer. Having experienced significant depression he fully completed his programme within 4 weeks, gaining both licences in counter balance and reach. This led to employment as a Warehouse Operative with a national chain of DIY superstores. HENRY, 37, a former member of HM Forces, had a history of chronic knee and back pain when he came to the College and completed his fork lift truck programme within 4 weeks. Through a recruitment agency he has now gained employment as a Fork Lift Truck Driver with a major national engineering company. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area. · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to improve your current skills. · Ability to qualify under the RTITB medical standards as having the necessary level of physical and mental fitness and learning ability for the task. Exclusions include serious cardiac conditions. · Visual acuity of between 6/9 and 6/12 and ability to read a vehicle registration mark at 20.5 metres. Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a... Warehouse Operative The aim of this work-related programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. The content of the programme will prepare you to work as a qualified Warehouse Operative for a range of employers including warehousing and logistics companies and large and small retail organisations. You will also be able to register with local employment agencies for a variety of temporary posts which will enhance your CV as well as leading to permanent work. The most common types of employment gained by trainees who have completed this programme have been: · Warehouse Operative · Store Person · Warehouse Order Picker/Packer · Warehouse Stock Controller · Trade Counter Assistant/Fork Lift Truck Driver The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to start from £10,000 to £15,000 approximately. Local agency work is paid by the hour and is likely to range from £6.00 - £8.00 per hour depending on the nature of the work. (Source: local agency) During your training programme at Finchale, you will gain up-to-date knowledge and skills in appropriate subject areas which are essential for working in this sector. For example, being able to assist with a variety of warehousing responsibilities to meet company demands will require a proficient understanding of delivery of goods, dispatch, pick stock and process orders and stock storage, accurate skills in information technology and good communication skills. The programme content will ensure that you are suitably equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet today's employment needs. The programme will commence with work towards the OCR Distribution, Warehousing and Stores certificates at either level 1 or level 2. Fork lift truck training is also available with this programme in both Counterbalance and Reach Truck operations. Telescopic training and Rough Terrain are not offered as part of this package. We will advise you as to the most appropriate course requirements according to your ability, previous experience, knowledge and employment goals. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your programme will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. This will include CV and job application preparation. A 10-week placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. Good literacy and numeracy skills are essential for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 34 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of the course are: STAN, 26, had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and experienced anxiety and depression. He fully completed his level 2 programme in distribution, warehousing and storage operations and the fork lift truck certificates in both counter balance and reach within 39 weeks. During his 10 week placement he impressed his employers so much they created a position for him and he is now a Warehouse Order Picker/Packer with a major high street catalogue retail company. DAISY, 31, had never worked and had a history of depression. She successfully completed her programme within 33 weeks; gaining her level 2 qualification as well as fork lift truck certificates in counter balance and reach. After proving herself on work placement she secured full-time employment as a Warehouse Operative/Fork Lift Truck Driver with an international supermarket group. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area. · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course. · Ability to handle basic lifting operations Horticulture Training Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a... Grounds Maintenance Operative The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. You will gain experience and qualifications to prepare you to work as a qualified Grounds Maintenance Operative in a variety of public organisations such as local authorities, landscapers, grounds maintenance contractors and private contractors servicing a wide range of employers. The most common types of employment achieved by trainees have been: · Grounds Staff · Landscape operative · Gardener Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to commence at £12,000. The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. During your training you will undertake both theoretical and practical training using the classrooms, workshops and grounds available in the College. The course will commence with work towards the NPTC/ City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Safe use of Mowers, Hedge Trimmers, Brush Wood Cutters and a Health and Safety Certificate. The Safe use of Pesticides is an optional qualification which is offered at the College and sought by employers. This can lead to employment depending on work available, where employers are seeking this qualification as a pre-condition of employment in your home area. Obtaining the certificates requires passing an individual test for each piece of equipment; some require both a practical and an on-line theory test. Good levels of literacy and numeracy skills are vital for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your course will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total 42 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of completing the course: Terry, 37, was an ex-offender who had experienced significant stress, anxiety and depression. A keen fisherman, he had always dreamt of having a job which covered his hobby. He completed his Horticulture course and undertook a placement at a local fly fishery. This turned into a full time job as there was substantial landscaping to be done within the site. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area. · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course. · Physically fit as the job requires heavy lifting, walking and bending. · Be able to use machinery · Social skills · A driving licence would be an advantage to help gain employment Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a... Nurseryman/Garden Centre Staff The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. You will gain experience and qualifications to prepare you to work as a qualified Nurseryman or Garden Centre staff in a variety of organisations such as local authority parks departments, private nurseries and DIY stores servicing a wide range of employers. The most common types of employment achieved by trainees have been: · Garden Centre Staff · Nurseryman Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to commence at £12,000. The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. During your training you will undertake both theoretical and practical training using the classrooms, workshops and Nursery facilities available in the College. The course will commence with work towards the City and Guilds NVQ Amenity Horticulture Nursery Practice Level 2 Certificate. The Safe Use of Pesticides is an optional qualification which is offered at the College and sought by employers. This itself can lead to employment depending on work available, where employers seek this qualification as a pre-condition of employment. Obtaining the certificates requires passing an individual test for each piece of equipment; some require both a practical and on-line test. Good levels of literacy and numeracy skills are vital for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your course will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 42 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of completing the course: Julie, 49. was dyslexic but kept her condition a secret which led to both anxiety and depression. She was a trained machinist in a clothing factory but after redundancy had moved into work with an engineering component manufacturer. After her second redundancy she retrained in Horticulture at the College and successfully completed her course. After a 10-week placement she gained a full time job at a local nursery 5 miles from her home. She now has a bright future as the opportunity for promotion, which she previously turned down because of her dyslexia, is now a distinct opportunity. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course · Physically fit as the job requires heavy lifting, walking and bending · Social skills · A driving licence would be an advantage to help gain employment Construction, Maintenance and Joinery Training Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a... Joiner The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. It will prepare you to work as a newly-qualified and experienced joiner in a variety of public organisations such as hospitals, site work, colleges, schools and local authorities, and private contractors servicing a wide range of employers. The most common types of employment achieved by trainees have been: · Site joiner (1st and 2nd fix) · Bench joiner Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to range from £16,500. (Annual income figures obtained from JIB Industrial Determination 2005/2006/ 2007) The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. During your training you will undertake both theoretical and practical training using the classrooms and workshops available in the College or simulated practical work on the College's grounds. The course will commence with working towards the City and Guilds 6271 – 05/06: Construction skills – woodworking, and ICA Wood Occupations Site Carpenter. This itself can lead to employment depending on work available, where employers are seeking this qualification as a pre-condition of employment in your home area. Following successful completion of the 6217 – 05/06 qualification, you will progress onto the ICA Site work 1st & 2nd Fix, which will give you an in-depth exposure to site joinery and incorporate an introduction to the practicalities of 1st & 2nd Fix at the same time. Obtaining the certificates requires passing two exams, the Core knowledge test and Phase test, (which is a practical exercise). Good levels of Literacy and Numeracy skills are vital for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your course will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 32 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of completing the course: Rick, 28, was involved in a serious road traffic accident which left him unable to walk unaided and meant that he could not continue with his work as a warehouse operative. His natural aptitude for his new career shone through and this was recognised during his 10-week placement at a local internationally-renowned musical instrument manufacturer. His placement became a job and he is now involved in a multi-million pound project for a leading European cultural centre. Claire, 32, had never worked and had a history of physical problems, anxiety and depression. She decided that she would like to set up her own joinery business and with support from the College realised her ambition in a small village near her home. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area. · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course · Good manual dexterity · Ability to distinguish colours · Ability to climb ladders, kneel down, and sit and work at a bench · Social skills Gaining employment with the help of Finchale Training College as a... Multi-Skilled/Maintenance Operative The aim of this programme is to enable you to enter open employment directly in your home area of more than 16 hours per week. It will prepare you to work as a basic construction multi-skilled operative in a variety of public organisations such as hospitals, site work, colleges, schools and local authorities, and private contractors servicing a wide range of employers. The most common types of employment achieved by trainees have been: · Construction Operative · Self Employed Painter and Decorator · Maintenance Operative Initial salaries will vary in different parts of the country but are likely to commence at £15,000. The course is not intended to enable you to progress directly to further study in Further or Higher Education. During your training you will undertake both theoretical and practical training using the classrooms and workshops available in the College or simulated practical work on the College's Construction Project Area. The course will commence with work towards the City and Guilds 6217: Level1 Certificate in Basic Construction Skills - Multi-Craft qualification. This qualification consists of craft modules - painting and decorating, plumbing, carpentry and joinery, brickwork and electrical installation. From the five craft modules available three modules are required to be completed to achieve the full qualification, the modules being optional. Each of the three chosen modules requires five practical assessments to be completed, along with job knowledge portfolio work. Additional training will be delivered in Health and Safety to pass the CITB Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Health and Safety Test, which is the health and safety qualification required to work on building sites. Good levels of literacy and numeracy skills are vital for employment in this sector and additional individual support will be provided to enable you to achieve this standard by the time you commence your placement with an employer. You will start to identify employers and employment opportunities from the beginning of your programme. An integral part of your course will be to learn the skills necessary to find and apply for jobs and to be successful at interview. A placement with an employer in your home area will be a compulsory part of the course. The length of the course is flexible but may last up to a total of 36 weeks, including holidays, followed by a 10-week work placement with an employer in your home area. Examples of trainees who have achieved employment as a result of completing the course: Chris, 49, had been in the Merchant Navy for 13 years and had been in continuous work until a spinal condition prevented him from continuing in his position as a Prison Officer. He had always been good with his hands doing odd jobs for friends and family and his time spent at Finchale proved very useful, giving him the confidence to make a living at what was, up to then, a hobby. He completed his three chosen modules of Painting and Decorating, Carpentry and Joinery and Electrical skills. After a 10-week placement in a local care home he was offered employment as a handyman at a small chain of local hotels. Mick, 42, had been a bus driver but had to give up due to diabetes. Before bus driving he had done a course in joinery and had been a window fitter. He came to Finchale to gain more qualifications and a 10 week placement with a local contractor led to permanent employment. His ability and all-round construction knowledge has allowed him to progress into the role of Contracts Manager. Course requirements: · Relevant employment opportunities within your travel to work home area. · Literacy and numeracy skills of a level that will enable you to achieve level 2 by the end of your course · Good manual dexterity · Ability to distinguish colours · Ability to carry out manual handling tasks · Ability to carry out high and low level practical handling tasks · Ability to use access equipment · Social skills ?? ?? ?? ?? Finchale Training College Guide Page 1 03/09/2007