Learner Support

All learners with Skills Group have a dedicated mentor who will support them throughout their time with us by providing impartial advice and guidance. They will liaise between the employer and Skills Group trainers to ensure that each learner is on track with their learning plans, and achieves the best of their ability.

Covid-19 and Mental Health

If you’re worried about the impact of coronavirus on your mental health, you are not alone.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an incredibly difficult and uncertain time, so it is only natural that it may affect your mental health in different ways. However, what you are feeling right now is nothing to be ashamed about. With the right help and support, we can get through this.

Below, we have listed some different services for you to access if lockdown and Covid-19 are really affecting you. Don’t forget our team are always here to help and to talk through any issues you may have.

Samaritans – 24/ 7 support dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that leads to suicide 116 123 Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

Shout – 24/7 Text service for anyone in crisis 85258

Mind – Ensuring you don’t face your mental health problems alone

The Zone – Information, advice and support service

Anxiety UK – Support for anxiety, fear and stress. The National charity helping people with Anxiety

Childline – Advice, support and guidance, as well as access to 1:1 counselling

HeadsTogether – Reducing Stigma and getting people to talk

Andy’s Mans Club – Talking groups for men, #ITSOKAYTOTALK

Additional Learning Support

If a learner has any additional social or learning support needs, such as dyslexia or anxiety, please do make sure you make us aware, they will be assigned a mentor from our learner support team who will ensure any additional support requirements are readily available to you.

Induction Programme

When each learner starts with Skills Group we provide a comprehensive induction programme which includes:

  • Meeting the training team and other learners on the programme
  • A tour of the training centre and facilities available
  • An overview of the programme
  • Health and Safety, first aid and our emergency procedures

Each learner will also have an induction programme from their employer, introducing them to their workplace and health and safety procedures.

Functional Skills

If a learner does not have GCSE grade C (4/5) or above in Maths and/or English, Skills Group will support them to achieve equivalent Functional Skills qualifications alongside their programme, whether they are on an apprenticeship or full-time course. Functional Skills are the practical application of Maths and English relevant to your chosen trade.

We also offer Functional Skills in ICT, as this is a key skill required by the vast majority of employers.

16 to 19 Tuition Support

The 16 to 19 tuition fund is a one-off funding allocation for 2020-21 academic year only. The fund is being provided to support learners to catch up and close any gaps in their learning that may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund is to support small group tuition for 16 to 19 year old learners in English, Maths and other courses where learning has been disrupted.

For more information on this support, please click HERE

Learner Life & Well-Being

Apprenticeships

Courses

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School