Study and training programmes

Study programmes include qualifications, work experience and life skills.

Every young person is entitled to have a suitable offer of education or training by the end of the September when they would enter year 12 or year 13. This is called the 'September Guarantee'.

Find out if you can get support to travel to your place of study in our transport guidance.

If you would prefer to continue studying before looking for a job, see the options below. Some of these include work experience.

Study programmes based at a college

You don’t need an Education, Health and Care Plan to study a college-based course.

Qualifications or experience you need to apply

This depends on the course or qualification(s) you want to study.

Length of the course

This depends on the course or qualification(s) you want to study.

Applying for Access to Work funding

You cannot get this funding.

Getting paid

You do not get paid.

The options when you finish

Planned progression from study programme into employment or to traineeship, supported internship, or apprenticeship.

Apply for a course

You can study courses at colleges in your local area.

Here are some Entry Level and Level 1 courses at West Sussex colleges:

Find out more

You can get education advice from the National Careers Service.

You can also contact the Disabled Students Helpline from Disability Rights UK.

Supported internships for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

Supported internships are a type of study programme focused on getting a job. Young people do most of their learning at work, on the job, with help from a job coach.

You will need an EHCP to have a supported internship.

Qualifications or experience you need to apply

None.

Length of the course

At least 6 months - usually 9 to 12 months.

Applying for Access to Work funding

You can apply for Access to Work funding.

Getting paid

You do not get paid.

The options when you finish

You should move into employment after the placement, either with placement employer or as a planned progression from the course.

Find out more

Find more information about supported internships.

Training from the Adult Learning Service

You can find out about online and in-person courses from the Adult Learning Service. Many of these are free of charge. Starting at entry level, up to level 2, courses are funded by the Department for Education.

They are part-time short courses that you can take part in, whether or not you have an EHCP.

Using this service develops your skills and knowledge to help you get a job.

You can find out about courses in:

  • construction, engineering and manufacturing
  • health and social care
  • education
  • the ‘green’ sector
  • digital
  • hospitality and catering
  • retail

Learning for work courses

To help you become employed or help you find a better job, take a look at the learning for work courses. Most courses do not end with a qualification, but they are free if you are unemployed.

Move into employment courses

For help with improving your maths and business skills that can be taken in your own time, view the move into employment courses.

Skills bootcamps

Skills bootcamps will include at least 60 hours of learning, spread over a maximum of 16 weeks. If you are aged 19 or over, you can sign up to a skills bootcamp. The course will not cost you any money.

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