Entry Level Work and Life skills - Foundation Learning

Why study Work and Life Skills at Derby?

Varied curriculum - Participants engage in a range of subjects that cultivate essential work-related skills, while also selecting from an array of optional subjects to enhance their broader skill set and knowledge base.
Gain on the job experience – students will have the opportunities to undertake placements, work experience and volunteer work.
Not just academic support – Our tutors support the progression of students into the world of work and adulthood.
Personal development - The curriculum emphasises on areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy to prepare students for work environments and further study.
Discover your next steps – This programme is designed to help young people navigate all their options as they begin to explore their future careers.

Work and Life study programme provides students with the opportunity to develop the confidence, skills, and experience required to contemplate a future in employment as well as studies of digital, maths and English skills (functional or GCSE). Participants engage in a range of subjects that cultivate essential work-related skills, while also selecting from an array of optional subjects to enhance their broader skill set and knowledge base.

Students will benefit from the guidance of Course Tutors and a dedicated Job Coach, who will assist them in undertaking volunteering experiences and individual work placements.

What you will study

As part of the curriculum, students will cover the following mandatory subjects:

Planning and Progression (target setting and discussing targets and progress)
Communication and Confidence Development
Personal and Social Development, including Citizenship and Well-Being
Work-Related Study (including collaboration with a Job Coach, volunteering, and work experience)
Life and Independence Skills (Practical Living Skills, Cooking and Healthy Living)
Functional Skills or GCSE English and Maths, at an appropriate level
Travel and Independence
Well-Being Fridays

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

Careers

As entry level programmes designed to help young people find their next steps, progression may include:

- Further personal, social, and educational skills development with foundation pathways.

- Subject-specific vocational skills

- Apprenticeships

- Employment opportunities

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements are required.

All students are considered on an individual basis and matched to a course that is best placed to meet their needs and support their outcomes supporting each individual towards their aspirations.

Fees and funding

If you are aged 16-18 on 31 August 2025, you will not usually pay tuition fees for your course. Most full-time college-level study programmes are fully funded for this age group.

However, you may still have additional costs, including travel to and from college, uniforms, kits, and equipment, educational trips, meals while on campus, childcare ( if applicable). This is where the college bursary can help support you.

How to apply

Ready to take the next step? Applying is quick and easy, just complete our online application form using the link below.

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Additional information about your studies

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.