The most important aspect of any young person’s education is that they gain the qualifications, knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in our highly competitive modern world. Whatever your child comes here to study, our experienced lecturers will do their level best to ensure that they fulfil their potential.
But there’s more to it than that. We also want you to be sure that your child is safe and cared for during their time here, and we want you to be involved in their education.
Study Programmes at Sandwell College
All 16-18 year olds have a study programme at Sandwell College. The study programme includes a number of elements and is unique to the students’ individual needs to support their career ambitions. Students are required to complete all aspects of their Study Programme in order to achieve.
Work Experience
Work experience is an essential part of the 16-18 study programme and all students enrolled onto Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 programmes will need to complete a minimum of 30 hours of meaningful work experience which relates to their main area of study. If your son/daughter is under the age of 18 he/she will be provided with a consent form for you to complete before he/she can begin their work experience placement. Once provided, consent forms need to be returned to the Work Experience Team within two weeks.
The benefits of work experience are:
Work experience can motivate students to do well in their studies and give the opportunity to practise theory learnt in the classroom.
It provides students with greater knowledge of organisations and careers and can raise aspirations
It is a great opportunity to practise and develop employability skills
It builds self-confidence
Whether it is preparing for work or further training, work experience is an essential part of any future progression plan. The aim of our work experience programme is to introduce our students to the world of work and build key skills that may be required for Higher Education and employment. If your son/daughter is planning on progressing to university, it is a requirement of some degree courses that work experience has been completed.
The work experience team and tutors will do their best to prepare each student for a successful placement but it will be down to your son/daughter to put the time and effort into getting the best from this valuable experience.
My work experience was a fantastic opportunity to get my foot in the door for my chosen career path and I feel blessed for being granted with it. It has enabled me to express my new skill sets acquired from my course which in turn granted me even more opportunities in the form of a full-time job.
The week was definitely one of the most informative weeks I have ever had, and it was carefully planned for my arrival. The week was full of tasks which armed me with more knowledge, experience and skills which I never thought I could acquire within just a week.
Ismail is currently studying a level 3 1st year Computing course. Ismail completed his work experience at Salvation Army donation centre West Bromwich. We received feedback from Dennis: “The above students finish with us today. Can I just say what excellent students they have been throughout the week with us. They are a credit to the college and themselves.”
Sport students have been working at the YMCA’s new health centre while they complete their personal training qualifications. They offer health and fitness advice and volunteer with administrative duties.
THE HUB
THE HUB, on Floor Three, is a one-stop shop for Welfare, Finance, Study and Support Services. It’s also the centre from where we run our library services, and includes a quiet-study zone. If your son/daughter has a question, a problem or a need of help, this is the place for them to come.
Welfare Team
Our award-winning Student Services Team offers practical, impartial information on education and personal matters which enables students to get the support they need to succeed. The Welfare Team is available to advise on:
Personal problems
Financial Support – Learner Support Fund
State benefits
Homelessness
Childcare
Student rights
Staying safe
The work experience team and tutors will do their best to prepare each student for a successful placement but it will be down to your son/daughter to put the time and effort into getting the best from this valuable experience.