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Level 1 Employability Skills Course in Downham Market

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 1 Employability Skills Course in Downham Market. Classes run at The College of West Anglia Downham Market, three days a week, full-time over one year. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply.

The course is a specialist programme for learners who find mainstream education challenging. You will explore vocational areas including animal care, health and exercise, and hospitality. Alongside this, you build independence, personal skills, and social skills. Class sizes are small, and support is available in and outside sessions.

You will finish with a Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for young people whom may struggle with a mainstream environment, but are keen to progress with their education in a specialised provision for young people with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties. The course enables learners to continue to develop independence, personal and social skills.

Entry requirements

Whilst there are no formal entry requirements, students are required to show willingness to learn, participate in and develop skills in a college environment. Following an interview it is expected that the learner attend a taster session to determine suitability for the course and to ensure that their needs are met.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop personal and social skills to support you in work and daily life.
  • You'll explore vocational sectors including animal care, health and exercise, and hospitality.
  • You'll build independence skills, including travel skills for getting around independently.
  • You'll take part in an enterprise initiative to develop practical work-related skills.
  • You'll gain the knowledge to make informed decisions about your next steps in education or work.

How you will learn

You will learn through practical activities, hands-on projects, and taster sessions across different vocational areas. Classes are small, so you get support in and outside of sessions. Before you start, you will attend an interview and a taster session to make sure the course is the right fit for you.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The College of West Anglia Downham Market will confirm anything else you need before you start. There may be additional costs for trips, uniform, and equipment. Full details will be sent to you before enrolment.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service assistant, working in retail, hospitality, or reception roles.
  • Hospitality team member, supporting kitchens, cafes, or hotel services.
  • Animal care assistant, helping with the care of animals in a kennel or farm setting.
  • Warehouse operative, carrying out practical tasks in a logistics or retail environment.
  • Catering assistant, preparing and serving food in a school, café, or workplace setting.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate in Employability Skills, a natural next step to build on what you have learned.
  • Level 1 or Level 2 vocational qualifications in a specific sector such as animal care, hospitality, or health and social care, depending on the area you enjoyed most.
  • Functional Skills English and Maths at Level 1 or Level 2, which many employers and colleges ask for.
Apply on cwa.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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