What is special about this course?

Preparation for Progression provides a general course of study for students who have not decided on, or are not ready for, a specific vocational course or employment. The main focus is on personal and vocational development.

The course involves a general timetable that accommodates a wide range of skills and interests. The timetable includes core skills; communication, numeracy and IT. The rest of the timetable is made of units from vocational subject areas plus areas of development required by the individual student. Students occasionally join students who have different timetables and may be doing different courses. There is a focus on vocational preparation and work placements are arranged as far as possible to suit the needs and interests of the students.

The curriculum adheres to the Curriculum for Excellence and aims to enable each student to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have the potential to progress to employment or specific vocational training. Each applicant will be interviewed to discuss the suitability of this programme for the individual and references will be sought. This course is suited to school leavers and young people.

The following subject areas are included

• Core Skills; Communication, Numeracy, IT
• Art and Design
• Business Enterprise; Young Enterprise Scotland
• Hospitality
• Construction
• Environmental Projects
• Local Studies
• Vocational Development
• Work Placement

Occasionally other units are provided in: -

• Care
• Open Learning
• Business

Students will generally be working towards Level 4 units. Level 3 units and some Level 5 units can be incorporated to accommodate individual students.

Fees

Further education tuition fees

Full time

If you are studying a full time Further Education course (NCs, NQs etc.) the College claims your fees from the Scottish Funding Council for students who are under 18 on the first day of the course. Students over the age of 18 on the first day of the course have to apply to Orkney Islands Council (OIC) for a tuition fees bursary.

Information on the tuition fees bursary is available on the OIC website.

Part time

Normally you are responsible for your course fees but if you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be eligible for a Part Time Course Fee Waiver. Not all part-time courses at Orkney College UHI are covered by the Fee Waiver Scheme and only certain benefits are acceptable as a basis for a Fee Waiver. Please contact the college to enquire.

If you are eligible, you may be entitled to an ILA of up to £200 a year towards a course. Further information can be found at https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-learning-accounts-ila