A free and unique employability programme designed to support jobseekers across the North East in finding work by raising skills and confidence while assisting learners throughout the application to work process.

The course consists of a mixture of classroom, practical and physical activities. Delivered from the Beacon of Light and the Foundation’s outreach sites across the North East, the programme has helped more than one in three learners find a job during or within six weeks of finishing the course with local businesses.

Accredited courses available are:

Level 1 - Introductory in Sport
This qualification provides a broad introduction to the sports industry and gives learners the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to progress further. Learners will cover a range of topics from developing their own personal progression plan to finding out how others take part in sport and how to get people more active. 

Level 1 - Home Cooking Skills
This course gives learners the opportunity to explore recipes, with ingredients and recipes provided free of charge. Participants will gain confidence in practising and demonstrating how to stay safe in the kitchen. This qualification enables learners to progress onto further Level 2 BTEC programmes or a career in the catering sector.

Level 2 - Home Cooking Skills
This course is for anyone aged 19+ who is unemployed or in part-time work wanting to learn how to cook simple meals on a budget, with ingredients and recipes provided free of charge. You will also build-up your confidence in the kitchen allowing you to budget, portion, and batch cook for you and your family and prepare a two-course meal from scratch. 

Level 1 - Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism 
This course gives participants the knowledge and experience of preparing food and ingredients for a catering environment. Learners will explore recipes and be given the challenge to create a menu they want to cook and prepare. This qualification enables learners to progress onto further Level 2 BTEC programmes or a career in the catering sector.

Level 1 - Customer Service 
This course offers participants the chance to develop and expand their knowledge of the various customer service roles. Participants attending and leaving the course can use the knowledge gained as they progress into employment that involves elements of customer service.

Level 1 - Introduction to Health and Social Care
This course gives learners the opportunity to gain basic knowledge and an understanding of the Health and Social Care sector. The units cover activities such as presenting information to advise other about healthy lifestyles, being organised, providing a creative activity, or supporting people to use adapted equipment within a hand on and practical environment. This qualification enables learners to progress onto further Level 2 BTEC programmes or a career in the in the Health and Social Care sector.

Level 2 - First Award in Health and Social Care
This course provides a good foundation for progression onto further education or employment within the Health and Social Care sector. The underpinning knowledge and understanding, practical and vocational skills learned will enhance and support progression to a relevant competency-based course, or job within the industry.

Level 1 - Introduction to Caring for Children
This course is designed around practical skills and tasks that place an emphasis on learners demonstrating what they can do within a childcare setting. The qualification gives learners the opportunity to acquire and develop generic, transferable and sector-specific skills and experience. This qualification enables learners to progress onto further Level 2 BTEC programmes or a career in childcare through a variety of pathways such as apprenticeships, traineeships up to full-time employment.

Level 2 - Support Work in Schools
This qualification develops the knowledge and understanding that all those working in a school setting will need. It covers areas such as safeguarding, communication and understanding the school context. As it is a knowledge-based qualification, it can be taken by learners not yet employed in a school, as well as proving initial training for those in a new post. By taking this qualification, this could lead to employment in an education setting.

Level 2 - Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
This qualification develops the knowledge and understanding that all those working in a school setting will need. For learners to complete some units, they need to be assessed in a school environment, therefore learners need to be employed or volunteering in a school setting. The qualification enables learners to progress into an apprenticeship or employment as a School Teaching Assistant.

Functional Skills - Maths & English
These courses are ideal for learners who would like to brush up and improve their maths or English skills. This course is free of charge for anyone aged 19+ who does not already hold a GCSE grade C/4 or above (or equivalent qualification). Qualification levels will vary depending on the learner’s ability, with levels ranging from Entry Level to Level 2. The qualifications are nationally recognised qualifications. After being taught through classroom sessions and practical activities, you will complete a paper-based or online assessment on an agreed date.

Venue: Various locations