Entry Level Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step-UP) Course in Bristol. Classes run at Ashley Down Centre, part-time during the day. The course runs over two years and lets you try a range of work areas before choosing where to focus. You can explore catering, construction, retail, motor vehicle, office work, gardening, sport, performing arts, and more. In the second year, you go on a weekly work placement to build real employment experience. You also develop skills in teamwork, communication, planning, and problem solving, alongside English and maths. There are no academic entry requirements.
Who this course is for
This two-year course is ideal if you want to experience different work areas before deciding what you want to specialise in. You can choose from a wide range: catering, gardening, construction, motor vehicle, office, service skills, performing arts, sport, dramaand retail. You will also go to a work placement once a week to gain employment experience in the second year. In addition, you develop skills in teamwork, communication, planning and problem solving plus work on your English, maths and life skills.
Entry requirements
No academic requirements. Potential students usually visit/meet staff before the course starts. Taster days can be arranged after meeting with staff.
What you will learn
You'll explore a range of work areas including catering, retail, construction, and motor vehicle.
You'll develop communication and teamwork skills used in everyday working life.
You'll practise planning and problem solving in practical settings.
You'll build English and maths skills relevant to work.
You'll gain employment experience through a weekly work placement in year two.
You'll develop the confidence to choose a work area to specialise in.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom at Ashley Down Centre, with hands-on activities across different vocational areas. In the second year, you attend a work placement one day a week. Assessment is ongoing and practical, reflecting the skills you build in each area. No exams are required to enrol. Staff usually meet with you before the course starts, and taster days can be arranged.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Ashley Down Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Kitchen assistant: support food preparation and service in a catering setting.
Retail assistant: work on the shop floor in a customer-facing role.
Warehouse operative: pick, pack, and process stock in a warehouse.
Grounds maintenance operative: maintain gardens, parks, or outdoor spaces.
Office administrator: handle admin tasks in a workplace setting.
Sports facility assistant: support activities at a leisure or sports centre.
What you could study next
Level 1 Award or Certificate in Employability Skills: builds on the work-readiness skills you've developed and is a natural next step.
Level 1 Functional Skills in English or Maths: strengthens your English and maths to a recognised standard that employers look for.
Level 1 or Level 2 vocational qualification in your chosen area (such as catering, construction, or retail): lets you specialise in the sector you enjoyed most during this course.
