Foundation Learning promotes a wide range of skills to prepare students for future work or further specialist study.
The courses prepare students for future work or further study. They will develop your confidence, resilience, decision-making and independence skills.
Our YouTube playlist
Hear from our students, tutors & alumni on our Foundation Learning playlist.
Navigate through the films by clicking on the top right icon!
Photo gallery
Vocational Studies
The Vocational Studies programme is a flexible oneyear programme which can be extended to two years. Class sizes are small, and support is available during lessons, breaks, and lunchtime.
The programme develops your personal and employability skills. You will experience real-life situations on various trips, for example, travelling on the bus, making purchases and organising events. You will have the opportunity to experience a variety of different vocational areas throughout the year, such as hair and beauty, catering, land-based, and construction.
You need to demonstrate that you are working at Entry Level 3/GCSE Level 1 (or above) in Maths and English, and you will be invited to attend two taster sessions. You and your parent/s or guardian/s will then be invited to participate in an interview and asked to bring your Educational and Health Care Plan if you have one.
Supported Internships
We are excited to offer two different supported internship programmes. The programmes are specifically aimed at young people aged 17-25 with an EHCP who are ready to make the transition from education and aspire to paid employment.
DFN Project SEARCH
Within the NHS Supported Internship, you will work in 3 different NHS departments, 5 days a week, with the support of a work-based tutor, job coach, and an NHS mentor. You will rotate through three skill-building opportunities in a variety of different settings to broaden your skills and knowledge. These workplace rotations will be matched to follow your career aspirations and interests.
Right2Work
This programme is for 3 days a week and is a more bespoke offer within other organisations. Right2Work will support you to identify your skills and interests and match you with relevant work opportunities. College staff will provide on-the-job intern training support throughout the year.
You will also work towards a Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills, and you will continue to develop your literacy and numeracy skills.
The entry requirements for both programmes areLevel 1 or Entry Level 3. The internship places are also subject to an interview and assessment day. Your place must be commissioned by the local authority, and you must be highly motivated and have a desire to secure a job after the programme finishes.
Meet your tutors
Anna Harrison
I am the Supported Internship Lead and have lectured and worked as the Internal Quality Assurance Officer (IQA) at Kendal College for nine years. I'm currently a PhD researcher in Technology Enhanced Learning at Lancaster University, focusing on implementing innovative technology to enhance the achievement of both neurodiverse and neurotypical learners. My research-informed approach enables me to centralise learners/interns and their unique needs, ensuring that the program is individualised to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours that directly support their transition to independence and successful adulthood.
View our courses
The Level 1 Introduction to Vocational Studies promotes a wide range of skills to prepare you for your future work or further specialist study. This programme supports personal development and lifelong learning while promoting independence and preparation for employment.
Supported internship is an opportunity for a young person who has an active EHCP, who is ready to go into the world of work but would like some support from a job coach to do so.
This pioneering supported internship programe involves total workplace immersion and is an exciting opportunity to practice and learn essential skills in a real working environment. There is a likelihood that successful completion of the programme could lead to paid employment within the NHS in a range of jobs. It is a real opportunity to show your skills and abilities to an employer.
The Link 2 programme supports learners to develop their personal and employability skills. Learners take this programme to give them the skills to Link 2 supported internships or further study elsewhere in the college.
