Pam Smith Operations Manager LAGAT Ltd

1. Pam Smith Operations Manager LAGAT Ltd Extended Work Experience Rhetoric to Reality

2. Introduction LAGAT Ltd was formed in 1987 by Lincoln Co-Operative Society, Simons Construction and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The company delivers Apprenticeship programmes, Train to Gain and commercial training. LAGAT supports adults who are entering employment or training for the first time. The company incorporates Information Advice and Guidance throughout all provision. LAGAT are involved in local Cluster groups and are working in partnership with local schools.

3. Overview Of Services • Apprenticeships • National Vocational Qualifications Levels 1 to 4 • Training and Development Awards • Investors in People • Support Work in Schools ( non teaching staff ) • ICT Training • Information Advice and Guidance • Adult Programmes • Bespoke Training Programmes • Staff Recruitment: Quest/Apprenticeships

4. Work Based Academy The Work Based Academy is supporting the vision of the Lincolnshire and Rutland partnership to meet the individual needs of students for learning, by providing more choice, pathways and opportunities. The Academy, working with local schools, colleges and other work based learning providers, can offer a further improved learning environment. Opportunities are matched to learning needs and flexible learning options will become the norm.

5. What can Work Based Learning offer? • Support vocational learning (eg. B Tec Health and Social Care) • NVQ Level 1 and 2 or units of qualifications • Key/Basic Skills support and/or delivery of whole qualifications • Guidance and assessment of personal and social skills • Support of a training officer/mentor • Partnerships/links to support Specialist Diplomas

6. The Process • Approach school with ideas for working together • School identifies possible beneficiaries • Present to student and discuss employment/training opportunities • Interview pupil and parent/guardian to discuss possible individual learning needs • Identify Extended Work Experience opportunities with local employers • Meeting with employer (health and safety and risk assessment carried out through EBP on our behalf) • The Individual Learning Plan is agreed with all parties, information is shared for the benefit of the pupil (ALN/ASN requirements SATs results) • Pupils will be visited minimum once a month

7. Participation • Castle Hills – NVQ Level 1 and 2 or units towards (2 years) • Branston Community College - Supported placements (2 years) • Cherry Willingham School - Supported work placements (key skills vocational units) • City Lincoln Community College – Work placement linked to school qualification • Middlefield – Supported placement • Robert Pattinson School – Units of NVQ and key skills • Lincoln School of Science and Technology – Units of NVQ

8. Castle Hills Delivery • Working closely since Sep 05 • Pilot in Customer Service (over 2 years) • Assessment of performance in year 2 to choose appropriate level of qualification for the learner • Knowledge and Understanding of the following ( generic to all occupations ) Health & Safety Data Protection Equal opportunities ( broadening awareness of equality and diversity) Employability skills

9. What have we found? Difficulties: • Support of some employers • Some sectors harder to place into i.e. Construction • Financial issues for schools • Curriculum requirements need to be met by schools • Early activity around May and June is essential to support real learning aims

10. What have we found? Benefits: • An equal opportunity for each pupil to participate according to their learning needs • Learner has a greater choice • Provides pathways for progression and achievement • Possible progression route to apprenticeship • Pupils are more engaged in their learning • Good possibility of retention of students who may otherwise be disaffected • Employers engaged in the project are very supportive

11. What have we found? Benefits continued: • Achievement for non-achievers • Supported learning through a dedicated member of staff • Potential full or part time job at end or during placement through supportive employer • Improved attendance and more responsible behaviour

12. Skills - Delivery Experience to gain knowledge and understanding of chosen vocational area Progressing to completion of units of NVQ or whole awards as appropriate • Key Skills • Communication • Working with others • Improving own learning through progression of personal skills • Application of Number • Problem solving • General attitude • Motivation • Enthusiasm

13. Identification and development of soft skills Personal Qualities Sense of responsibility Team Spirit Leadership ability Social-interaction skills Honesty Cooperation Self-confidence Integrity Adaptability and flexibility Positive attitude to work Personal presentation Self-control Punctuality Respect for others Efficiency Self-awareness Self-motivation Attendance Appearance Improved relationships

14. Research An evaluation carried out by the National Foundation for Education Research of the Increased Flexibility Programme for 14-16 year olds revealed improved exam results, a more positive attitude to education and a 90% staying-on rate amongst young people of school leaving age.

15. Development Projects • Partnership working with Aimhigher to promote Foundation Degrees • Young Apprenticeship Specialised Diploma in Retail

16. LAGAT Ltd Tentercroft Street, Lincoln, LN5 7DB Tel: 01522 513227 Fax: 01522 545533 E-mail : psmith@lagat.co.uk