Providing students with a Launchpad to educational success

By Rebecca Young, Launchpad Manager at Leicester College

We often see students who need help with making the transition to college life. That is why we designed a Launchpad programme for students who want to re-engage with education or build their confidence before applying for further college courses, apprenticeships, or work.

They can gain valuable skills and build their confidence, whilst also being able to network and make friends before embarking on their journey into further education.

While on the course, they can study essential skills and subjects such as maths, English and creative industries; as well as ensuring that students have the skills and knowledge they need to get into work, and having access to an extensive careers programme.

Launchpad enhances students’ personal development, particularly higher level students who intend to address their skills gap in maths and English, and want to obtain new qualifications.

We have seen a trend where some students may not obtained the necessary skills in maths or English between the ages of 14 to 18, while some have vocational qualifications but without English and maths. In addition, up to one-third of our cohort are home educated who are not ready to take on vocational qualifications. This has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic where students missed up to 18 months of education.

The new course is a nine-month course, conducted at the Freemen's Park Campus and is intended to be studied part-time for up to five hours per day, three days per week.

With the Launchpad programme, students can approach our careers team for help and attend our taster sessions in a variety of technical areas across the College. These are designed to help students plan their next step and set important goals.

When students finish Launchpad, they are given support to help them move on – many learners decide that they want to stay on with us and take a course in another curriculum area, such as health and social care, construction, or hairdressing.

Students who are interested in the Launchpad programme can find further details here and take a virtual tour of Leicester College here. Leicester College has also published a blog on how it equips learners with basic skills in English and maths.