Local colleges, tips to start at college and further information about support offered.

Tips for applying to colleges

  • Call the college(s) you’re interested in and ask for a prospectus or college course guide.
     
  • Look at their website. Is there an open day when you could visit? These are a good chance to see the facilities on offer and ask any questions you may have.
     
  • Make an application as soon as possible. This is because places on some courses are limited. Some people apply to more than one college and make up their mind at a later stage.
     
  • Keep in touch with the Careers Adviser who can advise you on which course(s) and college(s) may be suitable.

City of Wolverhampton College

The local college is City of Wolverhampton College. This college offers lots of vocational courses in different subject areas allowing you to learn the skills you will need for different jobs.

Entry on to specific courses can be dependent upon your level of education, so you may be required to complete a foundation learning course before moving onto a specific vocational course.

The City of Wolverhampton College offer foundation learning courses called Futures to students with EHCPs, these courses are at Entry Level and include tailored support to:

  • learning needs
  • support accessing facilities
  • a personal tutor that the student and parents can contact
  • life skills to help develop confidence and independence
  • work experience
  • community & fundraising activities

To find out more visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk

Wolverhampton Vocational Training College (WVTC) – 16 – 19 years old

WVTC is a sixth form college based in Lanesfield near Bilston.

They offer a range of vocational subjects as well as support with:

  • basic literacy and numeracy
  • in class support
  • work experience
  • life skills to help develop confidence and independence
  • close supervision and support from staff to meet the learner’s needs

All full-time learners at WVTC have EHCPs.

Local further education colleges

Adult Education Wolverhampton – 19 years old and above

Adult Education Wolverhampton offer Life Skills courses to develop your independent living and life skills whilst you undertake practical activities that could include cooking, arts & crafts and digital skills. Activities will include keeping yourself safe, healthy eating, travel planning, time management, being part of your community and work ready skills. There are 4 pathways:

  • Get Learning courses are shorter. They will focus on practical activities and the development of skills.
     
  • Keep Learning courses will concentrate on independent living skills and being more active in your community.
     
  • Move On courses will provide you with an opportunity to learn work skills. Activities may include setting up an enterprise. Separate English and maths classes will be a requirement of this pathway.
     
  • Supported Internships/Supported Employment courses will provide you with skills to help move you closer to paid employment and will include a work placement.

For more information please visit Adult Education Wolverhampton. 

Further Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support

Colleges offer a wide range of courses including some that are specially designed for people with moderate and severe learning difficulties.

Every college has a Learning Support Department and a Learning Support Co-ordinator.

If you have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) then apart of the Preparing for Adulthood will include contact being made with the co-ordinator. They can explain more about courses and discuss learning support needs.

Below are the options available within the City of Wolverhampton however young people can access options available in other areas such as our neighbouring authorities: Dudley, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Walsall, Sandwell or those that are further afield.