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STEPS 3 – Preparation for Work

The STEPS 3 study programme provides students with the opportunity to develop skills for independence and employment, and to work towards achievement of their own goals for learning, life and work.

Programmes aim to prepare students for the next level of study by offering a high level of challenge within a supported environment. Students are provided with a high level of support and guidance which includes opportunities for supported individual and small group work experience placements.

Delivery is through a student-centred approach involving a wide range of activities. This includes a high volume of practical based sessions and small group work. Students work towards completion of an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) which requires students to work towards achievement of challenging, achievable goals in order to fulfil their potential.

Course Info

How to make an Application

Course Objectives

The Steps 3 programme aims are achieved by:

development of personal, social and communication skills
supporting students to achieve increased levels of social and academic confidence
a high level of support enabling student independence and resilience
development of employability skills (as appropriate to the identified destination of individual students) through sheltered/supported work experience and/or enterprise projects
adapting curriculum activities to suit the interests and needs of students
integrating a wide range of enrichment activities into the main curriculum
English and maths (as appropriate to individual needs of students)

Course Content

Key Components of the STEPS 3 programme include:

Curriculum Theme	Course content
Independence Employability Subject specific/vocational skills Community Personal Growth Well-being	Personal, Social and Communication skills An Introduction to the World of Work Enterprise Digital Skills Life Skills (staying healthy and safe; budgeting and home skills) Enrichment and Leisure English and maths*

(please note: curriculum subjects and access to specialist resources may vary between campuses)

*Leaning aims for English and maths will be determined by students’ prior attainment and initial assessment.

Pathways include: GCSE (for those who have already achieved a Grade 2 or above); Functional Skills (Entry Level 3 and Level 1); Themed Awards in English and maths (Entry Level 1 – Entry Level 3). Where appropriate, non-accredited English and maths learning is considered for students who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Entry Requirements

Whilst there are no formal entry requirements for this programme, previous Education records and experience should indicate students can thrive socially and emotionally in a large, complex education setting. Course offer is subject to a successful interview and initial assessment. In addition, students need to show a commitment and willingness to work towards agreed goals, and participate in all of the course activities.

What Can I Do Next?

Following completion of the STEPS 3: Preparation for Work programme it may be possible for students’ to continue their learning at STEPS 3 for a second year or progress on to another STEPS programme.

How to make an Application – Watch our video guide!

****Applications for courses starting in September 2023 are now closed****

The application window for full-time courses and joint apprenticeship applications starting in September 2024 opens on Monday 2nd October at 12pm.

Before submitting your online application, make sure you have got an email address which you will check frequently and which is professional and appropriate for this purpose, and use this when you create your account. Submit the application as early as possible and remember to make a note of your USERNAME and PASSWORD details! You will need these later.

We have prepared a step-by-step video guide below – please view this video which will guide you through the application process.

Application Do's and Don'ts

Application Tips

If you have chosen the study programme you would like to apply for then you are almost there. We recommend that you read our handy application tips, watch our video and then make your application.

You can only apply for one full-time programme and one apprenticeship. You can do this together within the same application form, in what is known as a joint application.

Remember, you cannot study more than one core subject. For example, you would not be able to study two full-time programmes in different subjects simultaneously. You would take Plumbing or Music, not Plumbing and Music.

Your subject will be your primary qualification and forms the bulk of your programme of study.

Application Dos

Apply as early as possible. We start accepting applications from 2nd October 2023 and have set an initial deadline of 31st January 2024 for a priority application on your chosen programme (subject to you satisfying the entry requirements), although we still accept applications after this date but may not be able to guarantee you a place on your chosen programme.
Think carefully about your course choice before you apply. Talk to your head of year or careers adviser at school to make sure you have explored all your options and have found a course that suits you best. You may wish to attend one of our open days to find out more before applying.
Make sure you attend any interviews or assessments we invite you to. These are a mandatory part of our process. They give you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, as well as allowing us to make sure you are on the most appropriate course for you. Some courses may invite you to attend a second interview or audition to demonstrate your skills and to ensure you are on the most appropriate level for you.
Please let us know if your contact details or address change. We will use a variety of letters, emails and texts to communicate with you throughout the process, and the information we provide is both confidential and vital to your application. If you move home or change your phone number and don’t inform us of any changes, you could miss some vital information.

Application Don’ts

Do not make multiple applications. If you are unsure, for example, of which construction/trade subject you would like to study, please only make an application for one of them. Likewise, if you later wish you had applied for a different course, please don’t worry – we can change your application. Whatever the reason for wanting to change, there is no need to make another application.
Do not use a school email address when you create your account. Remember, you will need to access this account later in the summer after you have left school.
Do not create another account if you have previously applied. If you have applied in previous years, please do not create a new account. If you are unsure, contact us to check which username and password to use.

Just call us on 01206 712777

STEPS 3 – Preparation for Work

Level	Entry Level
Location	Colchester Braintree
Duration	One Year
Study Mode	Full-Time
Campus / Adult Skills Centre	Colchester Campus Braintree Campus
Start Date	September 2024
Fee(s)	16-18 year olds: Free 19+: Variable

Course Enquiry Line: 01206 712 777 Open Event Updates Receive Updates For Parents & Guardians

Fee Exemptions Apply

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.