Four learners at Bolton College have successfully secured a permanent paid job or apprenticeship as a result of their studies.

Matthew Harmer, Tyron Mills, Griff Morley and Michael Wilson – students from the Foundation Studies department – all impressed bosses during their college work placements when completing a Preparation for Work course.

The good news goes against the findings of a recent report from the education watchdog Ofsted, which warned that colleges in England are failing to put job seekers on courses that help them find work.*

The Foundation Studies department provides specialist courses for local learners who experience a variety of developmental needs, such as learning difficulties, disabilities or behavioural issues. Through specialist learning, students gain a new range of workplace skills that enable them to face life and work with confidence. The department is celebrating a record year for helping students to progress after completion of their course, with a higher than average percentage of learners securing paid work.

Matthew Harmer, 18, who is studying for a certificate in Retail Skills, has secured a job at the Bolton branch of a national firm, Euro Car Parts, following a successful six week work placement. Fellow student, Tyron Mills, 17, who is studying a Foundation Catering course, has successfully landed a contract with the national hotel chain, Devere Whites, in Middlebrook.

A full-time apprentice contract with Datum Monitoring Services, Bury, has been secured by Griff Morley, 19, who was studying a Preparation for Work course. Michael Wilson, 19, is now a checkout operator at Tesco, Middlebrook, following his Preparation for Work course.

Bolton College Employment Placement Officer, Janet Devereux, said: “Our aim is to empower our learners with the confidence and skills they need to progress onto bigger and better things. Over 25 per cent of our students on the Preparation for Work course go on to paid work, which is much higher than the national average of six per cent.

“We’re thrilled for Matthew, Tyron, Griff and Michael, who have secured their new positions through hard work and commitment to both their studies and their work placements. We’re very proud of them all and look forward to following their progress in their new careers.”

For the past five years, the Foundation Studies department has worked closely with over sixty local employers, who have provided valuable work placement opportunities for students – many of which have led to genuine paid work.