Supporting Valuable Work Experience Skills at Leicester College
With approximately 10,000 learners and over 1,000 employees, Leicester College is a large, multi-site further education provider in one of England’s most diverse cities. The college offers entry-level to advanced programmes for school leavers, adults, and apprentices, and includes specialist provision for high-needs learners.
The college’s Pathway to Work programme supports 163 learners, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and have complex needs, including autism spectrum conditions and learning disabilities. There are considerable challenges to social mobility in Leicester, and the college curriculum is designed to address these barriers by developing independence, communication and employability skills that create pathways to meaningful adult lives and employment.
The Project
The supported Learning department faces a significant barrier due to the economic disadvantage experienced by learners. At least 70% claim free school meals, and many are unable to afford the PPE required for outdoor work placements.
Without the appropriate gear, learners were excluded from valuable work experience across sectors such as:
- Park services and allotment work
- Litter picking and canal maintenance
- Environmental projects and grounds maintenance
This results in delays in their journey toward employment and also limits the college’s capacity to support local community projects.
Leicester College requested £1,500 from the Learning Environment Improvement Grant to establish a sustainable bank of industry-standard PPE. The funding was used to purchase:
- Toe Cap Safety Boots for cleaning and placement groups.
- Waterproof Jackets and Wellington Boots for gardening and outdoor tasks.
- High Visibility Vests and Gloves to meet health and safety standards.
- Rubbish Grabbers for community cleaning projects.
Impact and Benefits
This equipment ensures that learners in Year 2 (group placements) and Year 3 (individual placements) can work safely in all weather conditions and terrains.
- At least 30 learners and 10 staff have immediately benefited from the new equipment.
- The college estimates that up to 400 learners will benefit over the next five years as the equipment is replenished and reused by new cohorts.
- Staff no longer need to delay sessions or adapt activities due to safety concerns or missing equipment.
- Well-equipped learners have strengthened partnerships with local organisations, including Leicester City Council, LOROS, and the Riverside Rangers.
The PPE is already having an impact, and students are feeling equipped and ready to do work skills, volunteering and community placements. Thank you!
“Our grant programmes are designed to champion social mobility. By removing financial barriers, we have ensured learners are able to safely access the real-world environments to develop skills and thrive in their chosen careers.”
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