The Skills Academy Prospectus 24/25

Part of the Education Training Collective.

CREDITS

Hello and welcome to our 2024/25 prospectus. We are delighted to share with you details about our small and friendly college, photos and testimonials from our learners and stakeholders and course information on a wide range of programmes and provisions.

The Skills Academy is a great place to start for young people who do not feel quite ready for a larger college environment or are looking for an alternative education provision. Courses are available for young people aged 14-18 with more details on these found further in the prospectus.

With small class sizes across all programmes The Skills Academy offers a calm and nurturing environment where learners will be given an individualised experience that will encourage, inspire and support them to reach their true potential.

We are a small team of tutors and support staff who will be on hand in and out of the classroom to help learners during their time with us. These include our Safeguarding, Behaviour and Welfare Officer, Personal Tutor and Learning Mentor.

As well as all of the hard work we do here gaining our qualifications we also like to have a lot of fun. There are always opportunities to be involved in enrichment and enterprise projects, community projects and Skills Academy events. Check out our ‘Day in the Life’ page for these.

That just leaves me to say thank you for reading our prospectus and considering The Skills Academy.

We look forward to meeting you!

Tracey Laycock

Alternative Provision Manager

WELCOME

Photography - Cal Carey Graphic Design - Bethany O’Donnell Editing - Stacey Nicholson

Everyone in this guide is either a student, staff member or friend of the college. Our thanks to all involved!

XXXX

COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF

We have open events throughout the year, offering you the chance to visit us and see what life at The Skills Academy is all about. You can chat to our knowledgeable and industry-experienced tutors about the courses you’re interested in and explore our facilities for yourself.

Need careers advice or help with your application? We offer that too, it’s well worth a visit.

OPEN EVENT DATES:

• Tuesday 24th October 2023 4.30 – 6.30pm

• Tuesday 5th December 2023 4.30 – 6.30pm

• Tuesday 26th March 2024 4.30 – 6.30pm

• Tuesday 21st May 2024 4.30 – 6.30pm

In addition, we have NEET* Open Events for any late enrolments - it is never too late to join The Skills Academy!

• Tuesday 26th September 2023 4.30-6.30pm

Alternatively, if you would like to book a 1-2-1 tour of The Skills Academy, please visit our website www. skillsacademybillingham.ac.uk/tours/

*Not in Education, Employment or Training.

COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF

ENRICHMENT

Being a student is about learning new skills, meeting new friends and building great memories. That’s why, alongside your course, you will get the chance to take part in trips, activities and events.

CHARITY FUN

We love a fundraiser at The Skills Academy, so you will get the chance to join the fun and help do your bit for a good cause.

ENTERPRISE

We want to help develop your career and professional skills. All programmes at The Skills Academy include enterprise opportunities and events where you can develop your own business deals.

TUTORIALS

At The Skills Academy you will take part in regular tutorials alongside your course. This is a chance to keep track of your progress and get the support you need to plan your next steps.

FACILITIES

BEAUTY LAB NINE

As a hairdressing and beauty student, you will benefit from learning in our small and friendly salon. Appropriately named ‘Beauty Lab 9’ by previous students, the salon itself gives you access to state-of-the-art wash basins, work stations, a massage table and much more. All students will be supervised by a qualified lecturer.

ART & DESIGN ROOM

Realise your true potential in our colourful and creative art room. Paint, draw, model and photograph your way to success with help from our amazing lecturers. Showcase your skills at our own in-house exhibition and take part in real life commissioned artwork.

COMPUTER SUITE

Technology is advancing everyday and whether you are browsing on the internet or creating digital artwork we can help. With a dedicated computer suite available, students are able to develop their skills and knowledge using a wide range of programmes and computer packages.

KATY’S CAFÉ

Looking for a bite to eat? Katy’s Café has got you covered! Pre-order a hot meal or even just grab a snack during your lunch break.

CONSTRUCTION ROOM

Our spacious construction room allows students to learn and practise new skills alongside each other. The room is equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment you will need to develop a wide range of hand-tool techniques, drawing skills and much more. There are also opportunities for up-cycling projects.

COMMUNAL AREAS

Whether you are looking to catch up with friends or grab a quiet minute to yourself, we have something for everyone. Although we are small, we have the space to make you feel comfortable and enjoy your time at The Skills Academy.

WORKING KITCHEN

Cook up a storm in our working kitchen and learn some skills for life. Whether you are interested in baking cakes or creating a curry, our facilities are the perfect place for you to learn.

POOL TABLE

If you are looking to unwind between classes, you can do so with a friendly game of pool. Use our pool table and pool cues to socialise with friends and enjoy your experience with us at The Skills Academy.

ENGLISH AND MATHS

These are the skills that we can all take for granted, but we all use English and maths every day, often without even thinking about it.

At The Skills Academy we know how important these skills are to your future success and that is why we want to help all of our students develop their basic knowledge and pick up the qualifications to match.

For students under 19, it is a Government requirement that you keep working towards these essential Functional Skills

and GCSEs, if you haven’t already achieved a pass or grade 9-4.

At The Skills Academy, if you haven’t already achieved what you need, we will help you work towards these important skills and qualifications and continue to develop your knowledge of English and maths as part of your course. We want to help you make the grade!

12 REASONS TO CHOOSE THE SKILLS ACADEMY:

Classes are small to help focus on one-toone support and meet each individual’s needs.

Learning support for in and out of class needs.

We value your opinions and ideas and give you the opportunity to share them with us.

Practical and hands-on courses with industry-experienced staff and equipment.

Small team of staff to offer support when needed.

Inclusive and safe environment.

Outstanding learner feedback.

Excellent enrichment and tutorial activities and opportunities.

Bespoke courses that meet the individual needs of each learner.

Community projects.

Fundraising and enterprise.

Visits, trips and employer events.

XXXX TESTIMONIALS TESTIMONIALS

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our learners, parents, guardians and key stakeholders say about the Skills Academy.

‘‘Seeing your amazing college gave us hope about the future. Thank you so much.’’

(Parent)

‘‘I would absolutely recommend The Skills Academy. The feedback we get from all the team is absolutely outstanding. We can’t praise the Skills Academy enough.’’

(Parent)

‘‘An outstanding provision that significantly improves the life chances of students and there is a great curriculum offer. Provision at The Skills Academy is high quality, communication is excellent and there is a real two-way partnership between school and Etc.’’

(Stakeholder)

‘‘The Skills Academy has provided an excellent education for one of our Year 11 students who has since developed into a very well-rounded individual.’’

(Stakeholder)

‘‘I have been so impressed with The Skills Academy. Not only does my daughter enjoy the course she is taking the tutors have all made a very positive impression on her and her attitude towards learning and life. I can’t thank them enough and am so grateful that there is such a place for children who for one reason or another struggled at comprehensive school.’’

(Parent)

‘‘I like the environment – it’s smaller and smaller groups.’’

(Learner)

‘‘I love how you can just be yourself and how everyone is different and staff are lovely and you can have proper conversations.’’

(Learner)

XXXX

14-16 ALTERNATIVE PROVISION, POSITIVE PATHWAYS & VOCATIONAL STUDIES

Scan the QR code to find out more, or to easily apply online!

There are a range of programmes available for young people who are aged 14-16 and are referred by their secondary schools or local authority virtual schools. They must be in either Year 10 or Year 11 of their school years upon the start of the programme regardless of age. Parents/guardians and young people themselves cannot apply for this programme directly.

The aim of all provision is to reduce the risk of young people being permanently excluded from their school, support schools to provide a bespoke package for their young people and to re-engage young people back into education, raising aspirations and providing an opportunity of positive progression at post 16.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Type: Level 1, part time/full time/roll-on-roll-off*

Length

POSITIVE PATHWAYS

One – two years depending upon the referral and young person

This is a roll on roll off programme that can be accessed at any point during the academic year on a part-time or full-time basis. Full time is Monday – Friday, 10am3.00pm.

This programme supports some of the main key stage 4 subjects and includes:

• Maths and English – Functional Skills

Entry Levels – Level 2 (initial and ongoing assessments will determine if any registrations for qualifications are completed along with attendance and engagement)

• PSHE

• Enterprise and enrichment

• Tutorials

• Wider key skills

• Vocational sessions in art, digital media, hair & beauty and construction

*Depending upon the timetable request not all sessions may be accessed if a learner is not attending full-time

VOCATIONAL STUDIES

Places may be commissioned on one of our study programmes. These include:

• Level 1 Award/Certificate Introduction to the Hair & Beauty Industry

• Level 1 Award/Certificate Construction Skills

• Level 1 Award/Diploma Health & Social Care, Children and Young People’s Settings

• Level 1 Award/Diploma Art, Design & Media

• Level 1 Certificate Digital Media

Taster sessions and bespoke timetables in these subjects may also be available.

All of these programmes will have a mixture of 14-16 and 16-18 learners. Registration with awarding bodies for a qualification will only be made where a learner fully attends and is engaged.

BESPOKE PROVISION AND TIMETABLES

We pride ourselves in our ability to be flexible and responsive for our stakeholders and young people. Bespoke small group provision and individual timetables for learners can be considered upon request.

14-16 ELECTIVE HOME

EDUCATED PROVISION

Scan the QR code to find out more, or to easily apply online!

There are a range of programmes available for young people who are aged 14-16, not on a school roll and are registered with their local authorities as Elective Home Educated. They must be in either Year 10 or Year 11 of their school years upon the start of the programme regardless of age.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Type: Level 1, part-time

Length One year

PROGRAMMES INCLUDE

• Maths, English & Employability

• Level 1 Award/Certificate Introduction to the Hair & Beauty Industry

• Level 1 Award/Certificate Construction Skills

• Level 1 Award/Diploma Health & Social Care, Children and Young People’s Settings

• Level 1 Award/Diploma Art, Design & Media

• Level 1 Certificate Digital Media

• Taster and non-qualification bespoke provision where appropriate

Maths and English will be available at GCSE and Functional Skills Levels Entry – Level 2.

Learner enrolments on maths and English will depend on the outcomes from initial assessments at the start of the programme and on-going assessment results.

All of these programmes also include weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.

Parents/guardians and external agencies can enquire and apply for a place. Following confirmation from the local authority of Elective Home Educated status the young person will be invited in for a tour and interview.

Etc. including The Skills Academy do not directly enrol learners aged 14-16. All learners registered as Elective Home Educated will remain so for the full duration of their college programme.

Our

STUDY PROGRAMMES

INTRODUCTION TO THE HAIR & BEAUTY INDUSTRY

Scan the QR code to find out more, or to easily apply online!

This qualification provides the ideal introduction to the hair and beauty industry and covers essential practical skills and industry knowledge. This course gives students the chance to explore the opportunities within the hair and beauty sector. This is a predominantly practical-based course with an essential element of theory-based sessions.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Type: Level 1, Full-time

Length

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

You will explore:

• Introduction to the hair and beauty industry

• Professional image

• Manicure

• Skincare

• Customer service

• Hairdressing techniques

• Employer visits and talks

• Career opportunities

One year

Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE Maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.

This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

All practical sessions take place in our industry-standard salon which includes hair wash basins, beauty beds and treatment units.

FUTURE PROGRESSION

Progression onto a specific hair or beauty programme from level 1 to level 2.

Apply online at www. skillsacademybillingham. ac.uk/apply/ and click the ‘Start your application’ button.

ART, DESIGN & MEDIA

online!

If you are creative, love drawing, painting, sculpting, and you have a passion for art, then we can offer you the chance to explore your interests on a course that is just right for you. Whether you see yourself as a budding artist or designer, a future film maker, make-up artist, fashion designer or animator we can help you develop the skills you need.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Type:

Length

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

You will explore:

• Fine arts

• Painting

• Textiles

• Graphics

• Sculpture

• Photography

• Community projects

• Exhibition

Level 1, Full-time

One year

different mediums, materials and state of the art equipment.

FUTURE PROGRESSION

You could move on to a relevant level 1, level 2 or level 3 course, going on to specialise in art and design, creative media, film production, production arts or performing arts in the future.

Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE Maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.

This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

You will learn through practical-based activities and projects using a range of

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SETTINGS

If you are interested in a career within the social care sector, whether that be working with children, the elderly or support services then this course is for you.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Type:

Length

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

You will explore:

• Safeguarding

• Health and safety

• Healthy eating and lifestyle

Level 1, Full-time

One year

• Awareness of equality and inclusion

• Employer visits and talks

• Career opportunities

• Principles and values in health and social care/early years and childcare

• Working with others

HOW WILL I LEARN?

You will learn through a range of taught and practical sessions, including spending time within an industry environment. You will also get the opportunity to be involved in real life community projects.

Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE Maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.

This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where

you will develop wider key skills for employment.

FUTURE PROGRESSION

Progression onto a level 1, 2 or 3 course or apprenticeship in health and social care or childcare.

CONSTRUCTION SKILLS

This qualification provides the ideal introduction to the construction industry and covers essential practical hand tool skills and industry knowledge on legislation and health and safety. This course gives students the chance to explore the opportunities within the construction trades. This is a predominantly practical-based course with an essential element of theory-based sessions.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Type:

Length

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

You will explore:

• Health and safety

Level 1, Full-time

One year

• Introduction to the construction industry

• Practical sessions in a range of construction trades

• Taster sessions at other Etc. college sites

• Community projects and enrichment activities

• Employer visits and talks

Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE Maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.

This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

You will learn in a workshop environment using construction tools and equipment

which will develop hand tool techniques and trade skills.

FUTURE PROGRESSION

Progression onto a specific construction course or apprenticeship.

DIGITAL MEDIA

If you are creative, and want to discover more about today’s media landscape, then this is an ideal course for you.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Type: Level 1, Full-time

Length One year

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

You will explore:

• Creating a storyboard

• Designing an interactive presentation

• Producing an advert

• Layout design for a digital product

• Creating an animation

• Shooting a short film

• Making an audio recording, as well as wider key skills including:

• Being organised

• Developing a personal progression plan

Alongside this qualification, learners will attend functional skills or GCSE Maths and English, unless prior achievement has been obtained.

This programme also includes weekly tutorials and enrichment sessions where you will develop wider key skills for employment.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

You will predominately learn within our IT suite which is equipped with the most upto-date equipment and software.

FUTURE PROGRESSION

Progress to a relevant level 2 or 3 course in digital media/IT.

JAMES GETS THE SKILLS HE NEEDS FOR HIS APPRENTICESHIP

Name: James

Lives: Billingham

Aspiration: Electrician

Course: Construction

I really enjoyed my construction course, it has given me the skills I need to progress on to my electrical apprenticeship. We also had a really good career talk with a local electrical company which I found really useful.

Why I chose Skills...

• The construction course was very hands on and helped me with my future goals.

• I received a lot of support when it came to my maths and English.

Next Steps...

James has secured an electrical apprenticeship.

JULIA FEELS SETTLED AT THE SKILLS ACADEMY

Name: Julia

Lives: Stockton-on-Tees

Aspiration: Model

Course: Hair and Beauty

I came to England from Latvia when I was seven and I have always lacked confidence when it came to learning and meeting new people. The Skills Academy really supported me and helped to boost my self confidence which will be important for me when it comes to achieving my future goals.

Why I chose Skills...

• The tutors were really friendly and supportive.

• The smaller environment helped to boost my confidence and make new friends.

Next Steps...

Julia is exploring options for college and full-time work with the ambition of becoming a full-time model.

GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH!

Here at The Skills Academy, we are proud to be graded Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted.

As part of the Education Training Collective, the group has been particularly recognised for its ‘Outstanding’ education programmes for young people, leadership and management, behaviour and attitudes and personal development, and rated ‘Good’ in all other areas.

For all our young people that means, as a student at The Skills Academy, you can expect fantastic teaching and enrichment opportunities in a college where students are “proud to study” and benefit from “a strong culture of positive respect”.

The Ofsted report, which was published in summer 2022, recognised the support that all learners, of all ages and abilities, across the group receive helping them develop their employability skills, confidence and resilience. There was further praise for the curriculum which is shaped to meet the needs of the local economy, employers and the priorities of the local enterprise partnership.

The Education Training Collective comprises Bede Sixth Form, NETA Training, Redcar and Cleveland College, Stockton Riverside College and The Skills Academy (Billingham).

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION

Whether you have chosen your future career or not, our highly qualified and experienced career advisors can help you plan the route to your success. We support you to make informed decisions about your future, help raise your aspirations and reach your full potential.

We have Matrix Standard accreditation which confirms the outstanding, comprehensive advice and guidance delivered by the team.

Our careers advice is based on an embedded programme of careers education and guidance which meets the Gatsby Good Career Guidance Benchmarks. These benchmarks ensure you have access to quality careers guidance, together with work experience, encounters with employers and current labour market information. This in turn ensures you can make informed decisions about your future career plans. For more information on what services our Careers Team can offer please visit our website.

We are Matrix accredited, ensuring independent information, advice and guidance (IAG) across all areas.

XXXX

STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELLBEING

Student Support and Wellbeing are here to offer you support during your time at The Skills Academy. We organise activities and events throughout the year, giving you the chance to pick up new skills, find new interests and prepare for the future. We can also help support you with any issues that might be affecting your studies, accessing advice and information on anything from financial worries to bullying, sexual health, drug or alcohol misuse. We also have great links with a number of external support services.

SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE

We offer a wide range of services to ensure you always feel safe and supported during your time with us.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION

Whether you have chosen your future career or not, our highly qualified and experienced career advisors can help you plan the route to your success. We support you to make informed decisions about your future, help raise your aspirations and reach your full potential.

The college has Matrix Standard accreditation which confirms the outstanding, comprehensive advice and guidance delivered by the team. Our careers advice is based on an embedded programme of careers education and guidance which meets the Gatsby Good Career Guidance Benchmarks. These benchmarks ensure you have access to quality careers guidance, together with work experience, encounters with employers and current labour market information. This in turn ensures you can make informed decisions about your future career plans. For more information on what services our careers team can offer please visit our website.

With a dedicated welfare member of staff at The Skills Academy, we prioritise your safety at all times. We can offer advice, support and ensure that help can be sought from external agencies to enable the best outcomes for our students’ safety and overall wellbeing. If you should feel unsafe or feel you need to access support we are here to make sure you are heard and safe at all times.

We offer information, advice and guidance on a range of issues including:

• Mental health

• Managing relationships

• Housing

• Substance misuse

• Sexual health

• Benefits

• Internet safety

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

We value the diversity of our college community and promote inclusion for all. We make sure that all of our students receive the same provision and access to our services. We encourage a culture of respect and commit to tackling prejudice at all levels. By encouraging students and staff to share their own experiences, we aim to promote mutual understanding, tolerance and respect.

STUDENT BURSARY

When you come to The Skills Academy for an interview you will be invited to fill out a bursary application form, or you can apply online. This will determine whether you are eligible for support with travel, childcare, meals or equipment*. Students can also get a TOTUM card, giving discounts on music, fashion, books, films and much more. For more details about fees and funding visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/college-life/ fees-funding-and-loan

If you are under 19 at the start of your course there should be no fees to pay. If you are aged 19 or above speak to our Admissions Team about potential funding, fees, repayment and student loan opportunities.

*Subject to change.

**Subject to any prior funding previously granted or obtained.

SEN/EHCP

We are committed to supporting you to meet your individual goals and aspirations. We welcome applications from students with special education needs, learning disabilities/difficulties and other support needs. We will work with you to provide you with the right resources, support and services to meet your needs.

To ensure we can provide the best support we will ask to see a copy of your Education and Health Care Plan or SEN (Special Educational Needs) Support Plan. This will allow us to understand your support needs and provide appropriate support.

We will work with you, your family and your current provider to put in place a transition plan to help you settle into and adjust to college life.

We work closely with the local authorities to adhere to the special educational needs code of practice (SEND) to meet the needs of our students.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Bethany O’Donnell from Magpie Illustrations, pictured with art students.

Desap Electrical visited our students to talk about careers and opportunities in the electrical sector.

Ben Armstrong Joinery offered practical taster sessions with students.

Alex Thompson delivered a bricklaying master class for our students.

CHARITY

SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

Children in Need

Billingham Foodbank

XXXX

BY CAR

From the North

Leave the A19 at the A689 junction signposted Hartlepool. At the roundabout take the second exit on to the A1185, signposted Seal Sands. At the junction turn right on to Marsh House Avenue. Go straight on at the roundabout. Continue straight ahead along Marsh House Avenue and you will see the college entrance on your left.

From the South

Leave the A19 at the A1027 junction. At the roundabout at the top of the slip road turn right. At the next roundabout turn left on Wolviston Road. Continue straight ahead on Wolviston Road, through three sets of traffic lights. At the next junction turn right at the traffic lights to Rievaulx Avenue. Continue all the way to the end of the road, passing through one set of traffic lights. At the T-junction turn left on to Marsh House Avenue. You will see the college entrance on your right.

BY BUS

With a bus stop right outside our campus, The Skills Academy is well served by a number of local bus routes.

For more information on local bus routes and times visit: www.connectteesvalley.com and www.travelline.info.

BY TRAIN

Our nearest station is Billingham, which receives from Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

The college is a 15-minute walk from the station. For information about train times and fares please call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

All the information in this guide is correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right to make any necessary changes or withdraw courses. All images used are for promotional purposes.

01642

01642

Incorporating Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training, Redcar & Cleveland College, Stockton Riverside College and The Skills Academy, the

Etc. delivers a full range of courses, training and apprenticeship opportunities to learners aged 14 to adult, as well as professional and commercial courses.

We aim to create greater opportunities for all of our students and communities by equipping people with the skills to help them in to employment, raise aspirations and meet the economic demands of the region. theskillsacad

Part

Did you know?

We have made a pledge to reduce our carbon footprint, improve sustainability, increase recycling and cut back on our general waste. That’s why, when you have finished with this guide we are asking you to pass it on to a friend or family member, recycle it, or return it to us at the freepost address below. Thank you!

Freepost RTGX-KLYB-JYJS

Stockton Riverside College

Harvard Avenue

Thornaby

STOCKTON-ON-TEES

TS17 6FB

OPEN EVENT DATES:

• Tuesday 24th October 2023

• Tuesday 5th December 2023

• Tuesday 26th March 2024

• Tuesday 21st May 2024

All events are 4.30 – 6.30pm

Tel: 01642 607 464

Email: tracey.laycock@stockton.ac.uk

www.skillsacademybillingham.ac.uk

The Skills Academy, Marsh House Avenue

Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees TS23 3ET