Skills Builder Global

This content was written by

LINK19 College

Context

LINK19 College is a Specialist Post-19 Institution for 19 to 25 year old learners which offers full-time study programmes that provide individualised learning experiences. We aim to increase the opportunities for employment and independent adulthood for a range of young adults with significant needs whose statutory education was within a specialist setting. LINK19 College recognises that every individual is unique. Our aim is to provide support and set challenges for learners so that they can achieve, reach their potential and succeed. We will develop learners academically, personally, socially and emotionally. We will provide flexible pathways, offering a range of accreditations adapted to meet each learners? needs, while increasing their independence.

Overall impact

At LINK19 we have been promoting and highlighting transferable skills for many years. When we discovered Skills Builder it was clear validation for the ethos all members of staff have and what we always strive to achieve. The credibility Skills Builder brings means that we have something tangible to promote amongst parents, employers, learners and the wider community.

Keep it simple

At LINK19 College we have the skills posters displayed in all key areas: reception, main office, classrooms, café and corridors. We have incorporated the icons onto our website, pathway plans and headed notepaper. Work Placement Supervisors ensure they have access to flash cards when out on work placements and learners are continuously reminded to refer back to the core skills when completing their work placement diaries and setting their personal targets.

Start early, keep going

The Skills Builder Partnership and the 8 core skills are introduced from our very first interactions with parents/carers/learners whether that be on a parent tour or as part of the induction process. The core skills are displayed on publications, the website and actively promoted by all staff as a staple of what we offer here at LINK19.

Measure it

We believe in the importance of measuring progress and outcomes at LINK19 College. Through regular assessment and monitoring, we have been able to gauge the effectiveness of the Skills Builder Partnership. By collecting and analysing data, we can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to enhance the learning experience for our learners. The Skills Builder Benchmark tool has allowed us to triangulate data between the Benchmark tool, learners' Skills Builder Passports and their work placement records.

Focus tightly

At LINK19 College, we understand the value of focusing tightly on the specific needs of our learners. We tailor our programs and support services to address the individual requirements outlined in each learner's EHCP. By honing in on their unique strengths, challenges, and goals, we create a learning environment that is responsive, personalised, and meaningful. This focused approach ensures that our learners receive the targeted support they need to succeed. The information collated from the Benchmark tool is used to inform the direction of dedicated Skills Builder lessons which happen weekly across all pathways.

Keep practising

Practice makes perfect, and at LINK19 College, we encourage continuous practice and skill development. We provide ample opportunities for our learners to reinforce their learning, acquire new abilities, and refine the 8 core skills. Through regular practice sessions, hands-on activities, and practical experiences, we ensure that our learners have the chance to apply their knowledge and build competence in all areas. In addition to dedicated lessons, the relevant core skills are displayed at the start of each lesson alongside the learning intention which is then referenced throughout. Curriculum planning also highlights where core skills are explored, and policies reference the Skills Builder Partnership wherever applicable.

Bring it to life

At LINK19 College, we strive to bring learning to life by creating engaging and immersive experiences. We recognise that hands-on, real-world applications enhance understanding and retention. We incorporate practical activities, simulations, and community-based projects into our curriculum alongside our work placement to make learning relevant and meaningful. By connecting theory with practice, we enable our students to grasp concepts more effectively and develop valuable skills for their future endeavours. The Skills Builder Partnership enables us to interconnect all aspects of our curriculum and highlight the importance of transferable skills.

What's next

Looking ahead, LINK19 College is committed to further enhancing its programs and services. We continually seek to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of our learners and through using the Skills Builder Partnership and its 8 core skills we will continue to push forward our employability pathways and prepare learners for our ultimate goal of voluntary or paid employment.

South East England

United Kingdom