Step Into FE
Build your confidence, rediscover learning and prepare for your next step in education, training or employment. Step Into FE is a supportive transition programme for learners who may have been out of education, studied at home or simply need more time and support to become confident in a full-time College environment.
The programme focuses on rebuilding confidence, developing essential study skills, and preparing students for success in further education. Through a nurturing and inclusive approach, learners are supported to re-engage with education, build independence, and progress onto further vocational pathways or continued study.
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Description
Take positive steps towards your future while developing the personal, study and employability skills you need to progress.
This supportive programme gives you time to build confidence, understand your strengths and become more independent without expecting you to choose a specialist career pathway straight away.
Through activities, discussions, practical projects and vocational tasters, you will explore:
- Understanding your strengths and areas for development
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Setting realistic personal and career goals
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Managing your time
- Organising tasks
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Healthy lifestyles and wellbeing
- Preparing for further education
- Preparing for training and employment
You will also have opportunities to experience different vocational subjects, helping you discover what you enjoy and what type of learning suits you best.
As your confidence develops, you will work with your tutors to identify realistic next steps and prepare for progression.
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Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this programme. Your starting point and individual needs will be considered when deciding whether Step Into FE is the right programme for you.
If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.
You will get the most from this programme if you:
- Are open to trying new things
- Want to build your confidence
- Are willing to work with other people
- Want to improve your communication skills
- Are prepared to work towards personal goals
- Can listen to support and feedback
- Want to become more independent
- Are willing to explore different subjects and career ideas
You are not expected to arrive with all of these skills already developed. Building them is one of the main purposes of the programme.
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Qualification
NCFE Level 1 Award in Personal and Social Development
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Progression
The main purpose of Step Into FE is to help you identify and prepare for the next pathway that is right for you.
You will have opportunities to experience different vocational areas before making that decision.
Depending on your interests, progress and entry requirements, possible next steps could include:
- A Level 1 vocational programme
- A Level 2 vocational programme
- Construction Multi Trades
- Motor Vehicle Maintenance Level 1
- Hairdressing Level 1
- Health and Social Care Level 1 with Early Years
- Further personal development or employability training
- An apprenticeship
- A supported internship
- Employment with appropriate support
Your tutors will work with you to identify a realistic progression route based on your interests, strengths and the progress you make during the programme.
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Assessment
You will build a portfolio of evidence through activities completed during the programme.
Assessment may include:
- Practical activities
- Individual projects
- Group activities
- Discussions
- Written or digital evidence
- Personal development activities
Your tutors will give you regular feedback and help you recognise the progress you are making.
English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.
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Home study
Learning and assessment activities are normally completed during your timetabled sessions. There may occasionally be activities that encourage you to think about your goals, interests or next steps outside College, but the programme is designed to support you in completing your work during College time.
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Work placement
When you are ready, you may have opportunities to take part in work experience to develop your confidence, independence and understanding of the workplace.
You will also have opportunities to take part in vocational taster sessions across different subject areas.
Depending on your individual programme, this may help you:
- Experience different types of practical learning
- Explore possible career pathways
- Develop employability skills
- Meet people working in different industries
- Build confidence in unfamiliar environments
- Identify the vocational programme that could be right for you
The focus is on helping you progress at a pace that supports your confidence and prepares you successfully for your next step.
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Fees and additional costs
- All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
- Optional trips, visits, activities or vocational experiences may have additional travel or entry costs, and you will be given information in advance
* Terms and conditions apply. The fees stated on this website are for guidance purposes only and should be checked before enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, fees shown are for tuition only, over one academic year. Where a course is longer than one academic year, the fees stated are for the first year, and the cost of the second or subsequent years will be discussed at interview. For details of fee remission for students over 19 click here. If you think you may be entitled to a concession or fee remission, or you would like more information on the additional costs associated with your chosen course, please contact us on 01635 845000 or email