Employability Skills Level 1

Our Adult Skills Centres (previously known as Learning Shops) focus on building on individual employability skills, providing a range of ‘route to employability’ introduction courses.

Course Info
Do I have to pay a fee?
How to Apply
Other courses in this area
CV Writing

This course is designed for learners who wish to better their employment opportunities by providing them with the knowledge required to produce their own CV.

The following units are covered:

  • CV writing
  • Job Seeking Skills
  • Understanding How to be Successful
Introduction to Business Admin and Customer Service

This course is perfect for anyone hoping to learn more about the job roles in Business Administration and Customer Service as well their purpose in many industries.

The following units are covered:

  • Understanding How to be Successful
  • Introduction to Business Admin and Customer Service
  • Job Searching Skills
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Employment Skills
  • Working from Home.
Introduction to Catering and Hospitality

The hospitality industry is the second largest growing sector in Essex, offering many varied roles.  There are also many food processing and production roles that require similar basic qualifications.  The industry standard requires anyone involved in food handling must have food safety training.  This course and end assessment will meet this requirement.

The following units are covered:

  • Food Safety and Storage
  • Health and Safety Awareness in a Working Environment
  • Recognising and Supporting Equality and Diversity at Work
  • Understanding How to be Successful
Introduction to Childcare

This course is aimed at anyone wishing to work with young children in a nursey, primary school or any setting where children are cared for.  Learners will find out about various job roles available as well as gain an awareness of safeguarding children and young people and ways to build their self-confidence and esteem.

The following units are covered:

  • Understanding How to be Successful,
  • Recognising Equality and Diversity,
  • Health and Safety in the Workplace,
  • Introduction to Childcare Industries
  • Emotional Resilience.
Introduction to Customer Service Skills

This course is aimed at those wishing to work in customer service related roles. It provides the underpinning knowledge and understanding required for learners to be able to start to perform in a customer service role effectively.

The following units are covered:

  • Customer Service Skills
  • Health and Safety Awareness in a Working Environment
  • Understanding How to be Successful
  • Recognising good customer service
Introduction to Hairdressing

This course is for anyone who wants to explore working in hairdressing and beauty, before making a huge commitment to a practical course.  Learners will find out the various job roles in the industry, the purpose of hair and beauty as well as customer service principles and communicating with clients.

The following units are covered:

  • Introduction to Hair and Beauty Industries
  • Customer Service
  • Understanding How to be Successful
  • CV Writing
  • Job Searching Skills
  • Health and Safety in the Workplace.
Introduction to Horticulture

This course is for anyone interested in working with growing and looking after plants to make food, medicine and to create gardens or parks.  Learners will gain an insight into this industry and learn about the purpose of horticulture and what job roles there are in the industry.

The following units are covered:

  • Understanding How to be Successful
  • Introduction to Horticulture Industries
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Employment Rights
  • Contracts and Pay
  • Interpersonal Skills
Introduction to Manufacturing and Engineering

This course is perfect for anyone who may be interested in working in Engineering and Manufacturing without agreeing to a practical course.  Learners will explore job roles in Engineering and Manufacturing, as well as the purpose of each area in industry.

The following units are covered:

  • Introduction to Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Understanding How to be Successful
  • Health and Safety in the Workplace
  • Employment Rights
  • Contracts and Pay,
  • Health and Safety in Construction
  • Environmental Sustainability
Book a Careers Advice Appointment

The National Careers Service provides access to free, impartial, professional advice on careers, skills and the job market.

We’re here to help you get the advice you need to make the right decisions about your future working life. We’ve got specially designed tools to help you move on in your career, or get you on the job ladder. Let us help you take the next step.

Whatever your situation, we’re here to help you overcome problems and reach your goals. We’ll help you build on your strengths, improve your skills and find a better job or career that matches your skills and personality.

Once you have booked a careers advice appointment our advisors will work with you to begin your training.

National Careers Service is available for adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18 or a parent/carer of a learner under 18, information about careers advice can be found here:

Careers Advice for School Leavers

Read our Careers Strategy here

For your free National Careers Service and Advice Guidance session at a centre near you please contact us using the contact telephone number or by completing the enquiry form below:

  • 01206 583333

The information in this section applies to this course, and may not apply to other courses with different funding criteria.

You will not pay tuition fees if you are:
aged 19-24 on the 31st August 2024 and have an active Education, Health and Care Plan
aged 19-23 and are required to undertake this level 1 qualification in order to progress onto level 2, provided you have not previously achieved a level 2 qualification in any other subject (or 5 GCSEs grades 9-4) by the start of the course
over 19, unemployed and in receipt of benefits
over 19, employed and have a gross annual salary under £20,319 per annum
If you are aged 19-23 and have previously achieved a Level 2 qualification, if you do not meet the low income or unemployment criteria you will not be eligible for a fee waiver
You will not meet the low income or unemployment criteria if you:
are aged over 19 at the start of the course, unemployed and are not in receipt of benefits
are aged over 19 at the start of the course, employed and have a gross annual salary over £20,319 per annum
Therefore you will pay tuition fees

Please get in touch with us if you are interested in enrolling onto a programme at one of our Adult Skills Centres (formerly known as learning shops).

You can email or phone us via the details provided on this page or submit the course enquiry form.

We will then book an appointment with a National Carers Service adviser and make arrangements for you to complete an assessment to determine the appropriate level for you to study at.

We will also need to confirm whether or not you are eligible to pay any course fees, and you may be asked to provide some further information about your current employment and financial status and previous learning.

Courses may be free if you are in receipt of either Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance benefit.

Once this has been completed we will then enrol you onto your course programme.

Employability Skills Pathways
Course Outline: These courses are designed for learners who wish to better their employment opportunities.
LevelLevel 1
DurationFlexible programme available to learners aged 18 or over
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester
Braintree
Clacton
Dovercourt
Start DateLearners can enrol on these courses throughout the year
AttendanceFlexible attendance throughout the year

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2023-24 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.