Blackpool and The Fylde College to offer new jobseekers course
Blackpool and The Fylde College has released details of a new course designed specifically for jobseekers.
Five of the students on the latest course have now signed up for the College's fast-track course which will lead to them achieving a Level 2 NVQ in hospitality and catering - and potentially moving on to a Level 3.
Tutor Carol Davies said: "The students have all really enjoyed the classes and said they felt it gave them important skills for the job market.
"Hopefully, for some it may be the first steps into a successful career in catering."
Hospitality, tourism and sport programme leader, Steve Alexander added: "These courses have been really well received and we have had a 100% success rate with those taking part.
"As well as increasing self-esteem and confidence, students have said how proud they have been to take home the food they have produced, which is great to hear. They have also taken part in an industry placement to learn what it is like to spend time in a professional kitchen environment.
"With this course the College is really fulfilling a requirement in our community for these kinds of industry-focussed courses which lead to employment."
The course - which ended with the students all receiving their certificates last week - followed on from successful programmes throughout the summer.
The initiative was funded by the Savoy Educational Trust, an independent, grant-giving charitable trust which aims to advance and develop education, training and qualifications within the hospitality industry.
A trust spokesman said: "The Trustees of the Savoy Educational Trust were very pleased to award funding to Blackpool and The Fylde College for an exciting initiative, namely the Department of Work and Pensions - Job Centre Plus partnership project.
"The college will look to complete six cohorts of 12 learners over the academic year and the Trustees' grant will be used specifically for uniform costs and funding to enable extra staffing to facilitate and support learners in sourcing work placements and all issues related to 'returning to work'."
