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Free courses for job seekers

If you are currently unemployed and looking for work, our employability courses could help you to develop your skills, gain new qualifications. They also provide support with finding employment and using job boards, CV/job applications and interview techniques.

Course List

  • Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Sector-Based Work Academy Programme

    Entry requirements:

    Level 1 in English and IT

    Overview:

    This 6-week course is delivered in collaboration with Guys and St Thomas trust part of the NHS. The course provides basic skills Guys and St Thomas look for when recruiting staff to their agency.  

    The course is college-based with a guaranteed interview once completed. This will include information sharing of how to apply to Guys and St Thomas bank staff and provide you with the following qualifications:

    • Certificate in Progression (Entry 3) – Digital Skills Units
    • Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development
    • Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings 

    Objectives:

    Learners completing the course will have developed a range of skills to be confident in applying and working within a Health & Social Care environment. Information on NHS application process will also be given to ensure you have the maximum opportunity to gain sustainable work in the industry.

    Working in collaboration with Guys and St Thomas gives you first-hand industry information and opportunities to ensure all the candidates have access to the application process. 

    The course will take you through a step-by-step process, developing a clear understanding of the rationale and requirements of each component below.

    • Understand the range of services within the Health & Social Care Sector 
    • Introductory awareness of Equality and Inclusion in Health & Social Care 
    • The values and principles needed to work in Guys & St Thomas’s Hospital 
    • Introductory Awareness of Health & Safety 
    • Introduction to Communication in Health & Social Care setting 
    • Effective, relevant employability skills 
    • Creating a job search account and searching for vacancies 
    • Understanding the range of Job descriptions 
    • The application process including: 
    • Verbal reasoning test 
    • Situational Judgement Test (SJT) 
    • Practice activities on face-to-face and virtual interview questions and timings.

    Facilities:

    The course is portfolio and lesson based and will be at the college campus.  Guaranteed interviews may take place at Guy’s and St Thomas or the college depending on availability.

    Career options:

    Guy’s and St Thomas will guarantee an interview with their Bank staff agency and access to other opportunities within the NHS will be available. The course will also give a basic understanding of the Heath care industry and increase student's opportunities to step into a wide range of job roles within the industry.

    Unit breakdown:

    • Understand the range of services within the Health & Social Care Sector 
    • Introductory awareness of Equality and Inclusion in Health & Social Care 
    • The values and principles needed to work in Guys & St Thomas’s Hospital 
    • Introductory Awareness of Health & Safety 
    • Introduction to Communication in Health & Social Care setting 
    • Effective, relevant employability skills 
    • Creating a job search account and searching for vacancies 
    • Understanding the range of Job descriptions 
    • The application process including: 
    • Verbal reasoning test 
    • Situational Judgement Test (SJT) 
    • Practice activities on face-to-face and virtual interview questions and timings.

    Eligibility: 

    Students must be aged 19 years+ before 31st August 2024 and in receipt of JSA, ESA, or UC and be able to commit to the times and duration of their course.

    In order to access funding you will need to be referred from your work coach via the Job Centre Plus (JCP). 

    If you need advice of this process please enquire.

    Enquire

  • Security Sector-Based Work Academy Programme

    Eligibility: 

    Students must be aged 19 years+ before 31st August 2024 and in receipt of JSA, ESA, or UC and be able to commit to the times and duration of their course.

    In order to access funding you will need to be referred from your work coach via the Job Centre Plus (JCP). 

    If you need advice of this process please enquire.

    Enquire

  • Entry Level Clinical Sector-Based Work Academy

    Overview

    This 4-week course is delivered in collaboration with The Health & Care Jobs Hub. The course is designed to provide learners with the relevant knowledge and skills to work as a healthcare assistant.

    The course is college-based with a guaranteed interview once completed. This will include information sharing of how to apply to The Health & Care Jobs Hub and provide you with the following qualifications:

    • NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development
    • NCFE Level 2 Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection

    Entry requirements

    • Functional Skills Level 1 English
    • Functional Skills Level 1 Maths
    • Basics Level 1

    Candidates will be required to complete an initial assessment in English and maths.

    Objectives and Unit Breakdown

    This course, delivered in collaboration with The Health & Care Jobs Hub, is designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and skills to work as a healthcare assistant. Taking place in a college setting, the course includes a guaranteed interview upon completion and offers valuable insights into applying for positions through The Health & Care Jobs Hub.

    Learners completing the course will have developed a range of skills to be confident in applying and working within a healthcare environment. They will also understand the job application process through step-by-step guide and develop a clear understanding of the rational and requirements of each component of the course:

    • Core employment skills
    • Knowledge of Health, Social Care and Childcare settings
    • Prevention and control of infection
    • Personal and professional growth
    • Preparation for employment in healthcare

    Career options

    You are guaranteed an interview with The Health & Care Jobs Hub and even if a suitable vacancy is not on offer, the programme opens doors to various progression routes, including:

    • Public Sector opportunities: explore roles in public healthcare institutions, government agencies, or community health organisations.
    • Further Education: Pursue advanced studies in healthcare administration, medical office management, or related fields to enhance your qualifications.
    • Further progression could include doing an Access to Nursing and Midwifery course at Southwark College, a 1-year intensive course to prepare you for university.

    Facilities

    The course is portfolio and lesson based and will be at the college campus. Learners will also attend workshops delivered by Good Work SE London. Guaranteed interviews may take place at The Health & Care Jobs Hub or the college depending on availability.

    Eligibility

    Students must be aged 19 years+ before 31 August 2024 and in receipt of JSA, ESA, or UC and be able to commit to the times and duration of their course. To access funding, you will need to be referred from your work coach via the Job Centre Plus (JCP).

    If you need advice of this process, please enquire.

    Enquire

  • Hotpoint Field Service Engineer Sector-Based Work Academy

    Overview

    This intensive 6-week program is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge for a career in appliance servicing. Conducted at our facilities in the heart of London, the course combines theoretical lessons and practical workshops, including hands-on experience with Hotpoint appliances.

    At the end of the course, you will receive the OCNLR Extended Certificate in Skills for Independence and Employability (Entry 3). You will also be awarded a guaranteed interview with Hotpoint for a position as a field service engineer. Even if a suitable vacancy is not immediately available, the skills and knowledge gained will open doors to numerous career progression routes, including public sector opportunities and further education in construction, electrical, plumbing, and more.

    Course Duration

    Start Date: Tuesday 5 November 2024

    End Date: Friday 13 December 2024

    Course Length: 6 weeks, 4 days a week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

    Entry requirements

    Candidates are required to complete an initial assessment in English and maths, meeting the following criteria:

    • Functional Skills Entry Level 3.5 English
    • Functional Skills Entry Level 3 Maths
    • Basics Entry 3 ICT

    Objectives

    • Upon successful completion of this course, you will gain insights into exceptional customer service practices and:
    • Complete an introduction into basic electricity and its applications in appliances
    • Know the key differences between driving a car and a van for service visits
    • Gain an understanding of GDPR and its role in your work
    • Learn the importance and implications of stock management
    • Learn about mental health awareness and strategies
    • Create a CV and develop interview techniques
    • Develop time management skills

    Assessment method

    Students will compile a paper-based portfolio throughout their course, showcasing their learning and development.

    Progression opportunities

    Upon completion, you'll be well-prepared for various career paths, including, Field Service Engineer positions with Hotpoint, roles in public sector institutions and government agencies or advanced studies in related fields.

    Eligibility

    Students must be aged 19 years+ before 31 August 2024 and in receipt of JSA, ESA, or UC and be able to commit to the times and duration of their course. To access funding, you will need to be referred from your work coach via the Job Centre Plus (JCP).

    If you need advice of this process, please enquire.

    Enquire

 

ENQUIRE TODAY

You will benefit from:

  • Having access to a tutor or assessor 
  • Gaining additional skills and qualifications needed in the workplace
  • Developing knowledge to further your professional career
  • Learning at your own pace

Study for free

These courses are fully funded for those who live in England, are aged 19 and over on 31 August and meet the following criteria:

  • Not currently in full-time education
  • Had permanent lawful residency in the UK/EU for the last three consecutive years
  • Not previously completed any part of the requested qualifications and/or similar qualifications
  • Currently in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or Universal Credit.

All courses are subject to availability, eligibility and accessibility needs. You will not be guaranteed a place on a course until you have fully enrolled and received your Learning Agreement.

Key information

We want to get you on a course and working towards your career as soon as possible. But there are some things you need to know...

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Coronavirus update

Southwark College is closely monitoring all communications and guidance as it becomes available. This information is for students and staff and reflects updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Public Health England (PHE). We are prepared to escalate our contingency arrangements in the event of change.

The government is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work with the WHO and international community. For staff and students, it remains business as usual across our sites and our workplaces.

Please note that, at present, this advice refers only to arrivals from Wuhan, and not the remainder of China. If you have returned from Wuhan you should:

General guidance for those planning visits to Wuhan or other destinations in China

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) maintains updated travel advice for those planning a trip to Wuhan or other destinations in China. This is available at:

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

Note

This advice is derived from The Department of Health and Social Care will be publishing updated data on a daily basis at 2pm until further notice:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public#situation-in-the-uk

Supplementary Q&A for individuals wishing to know more around how the UK is managing the risk:

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/