Skills Builder
The education programmes at Azure are aimed at learners living in the North East with disabilities or additional support needs. We aim to help prepare young people for employment or the next step on their journey to achieve their dreams and aspirations
Potential learners should be aged:
- 16-18 with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) or no EHCP with additional needs
- 19-24 with an EHCP
The programme is an average of 40 weeks. The programme and support are tailored to meet individual needs and are reviewed on a monthly basis. This is all delivered in small groups with high staff ratio.
All pathways and support are tailored to meet individual needs and are delivered in small groups with a high staff ratio
Horticulture pathway - Learners can work towards a Level 1 Award or Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills. This covers all areas of horticulture including: Seed sowing, establishing plants and harvesting, Plant identification, Pruning, Soil PH, Block Paving, Tool maintenance and maintaining wood structures. Learners can progress onto a second year of this programme if appropriate.
Hospitality and Catering pathway - Learners can work towards a Level 1 Award or Certificate in Hospitality. The practical elements of this course are taught in our newly developed teaching and training kitchen within Café Azure where learners can gain both kitchen and front of house experience. Learners can progress onto a second year of this programme if appropriate.
Retail pathway - Learners can work towards a Level 1 award or Certificate in Retail Skills.
This qualification allow learners starting out in the industry to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment in the retail sector. The qualification looks at areas of working in retail including sales, customer support, stock control and processing fresh goods. Learners can progress onto a second year of this programme if appropriate.
Stepping Stones pathway -This individualised programme is a one year programme for learners who would like to develop the skills that prepare them for adulthood. Learners work towards their own personal goals and needs, focusing on topics such as personal safety, household skills, healthy living, personal hygiene and communication skills. Therapeutic horticulture, retail and hospitality are also explored as part of the programme, with a view to a potential progression onto our vocational courses in these areas if appropriate for the learner.
Whichever pathway a young person is following they will also receive:
English and maths - each learner is given support to improve their skills. Activities take place in a classroom setting in taught lessons but are also embedded throughout the vocational qualifications.
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) – Learners will take part in IAG sessions. These sessions are intended to offer impartial advice and guidance about a way forward on completion of Azure Skills Builder programme.
Employability Skills - Includes interview skills, application forms, job search techniques and CV building.
Personal Development - This can cover a wide range of areas and is tailored to each individual’s needs.
Work Placements - Learners may be given the opportunity to undertake supported work placements in one of Azures businesses such as the Nurseries, Garden Centre or Café Azure.
Other options:
This programme is also available to learners who require specific aspects of a course or require Personal Development and Social Skills but do not wish to participate in the full programme. This can be accommodated on a day-to-day basis at an agreed cost per day.
The programmes follow an academic year and are delivered Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.15pm
