Professional Training - Barnfield College

The project aimed to provide meaningful interventions at Level three to a minimum of 50 learners and a maximum of 65 employed learners from a range of employers in Luton and Bedfordshire. The purpose of this intervention was to raise the skill levels of those engaged and encourage further participation in mainstream Level 3, 4 and 5 provision, particularly Foundation Degrees.

We worked with the YMCA, Family Groups, the Cauldwell Community project, The Kings Arms project, and the Dallow Community project. The uptake from ethnic minority groups was excellent in particular for Pakistani and Afro-Caribbean employees. All of the partners had relationships with the targeted wards and this enabled the project aims in this regard to be achieved.  

The project brought together 3 Further Education Colleges, The University of Bedfordshire, and two private training providers. Meeings took place monthly and agreed individual targets for recruitment of learners and for working with companies (target 35 companies –actual 40 companies). Course details for learners were agreed and where a Nationally Accredited programme was not being offered, partners were asked to map their training against a national qualification as this would assist with progression for learners. Very little marketing was required as we all had employers, community groups that were keen to engage in the project.

Learners have attended a training programme and gained a Nationally recognised qualification namely the ILM Award in First Line Management (L3). With the benefit of individual guidance that this project has offered, each learner has demonstrated a good level of knowledge and understanding arising from the programme. The learner’s feedback comments reflect this.  Apart from the 6 learners who failed to complete the programme (all due to illness) 48 learners achieved their learning goals. They were able to choose training days, which suited their needs.

The main impact was clearly with the community groups in the targeted wards. They were delighted to be offered management training and we really could have taken on more learners in these areas.  For the Community groups they felt more confident about carrying out a management role. These groups have to manage finances, solve problems, work in a team, plan change and provide effective customer service. All of these elements are part of the ILM Award and the feedback was that the training was of great benefit.  The project helped to build capacity in these areas by providing employees with sustainable skills to manage the work of these groups.

Contact for the project is:

Teresa Frith
Barnfield College
York St.
Luton
Beds

Tel: 01582 569805
Email: teresa.frith@barnfield.ac.uk