Your future, is our focus.

Are you aged 16 to 24?

Gain the skills you need to progress onto an apprenticeship, employment, or further study with our Preferred Futures Programme.

The programme runs for 16 weeks with content tailored to your individual needs.

Interested in Youthwork?

The Preferred Futures Youthwork course is an inspirational combination of classroom learning & practical youthwork placements facilitated by the SOT youth collective movement culminating in a graduation event with special guests.

Find out more

Need a fresh start?

For more information please email preferredfutures@stokecoll.ac.uk or call, 01782 603754.

Email Us
What is the Preferred Futures Programme?
This programme can prepare you for your future career, helping you to get ready for the world of work and improve your chances of getting an Apprenticeship, job, or further training.  It gives you valuable work experience and employability skills to boost your CV!

We offer 1-1 mentoring and support for the duration of the programme, with access to a range of over 150 full-time courses and Apprenticeships upon successful completion.

The programme runs for sixteen weeks with the content tailored to your individual needs. 
It includes:

Work preparation training ensures you are ready and have the confidence to take the first step in your career, such as an Apprenticeship.
English and Maths support to help give you the literacy and numeracy skills needed for the workplace.
Meaningful work experience which provides insight and experience of the world of work and makes you more attractive to potential employers.
What occupations are available?
Business Admin
Customer Service
Social Care
Healthcare
Childcare
I.T.
Warehousing & Logistics
Youth Work
and more…
Who might my work experience be with?
We work with a range of local employers in a wide variety of industries to provide genuine work experience, including:
Oxfam Online Shop
S&A Wholesale
MW Construction
Emmaus North Staffs Warehouse
Free spirit Daycare
Daniel’s Delights Chocolatier
Burslem Pharmacy
University Hospital of North Midlands
Ruff & Ruby
Bliss Hair and Beauty
HMS Staircases
Old School Jim’s
St Albans Little Learners Nursery
Is the programme right for me?
The programme is suitable for anyone, providing you:
Are not currently in a job or employed for more than 16 hours a week
Are seeking full-time employment, an Apprenticeship, or further training/education
Are aged 16-24
Will I get paid?
You will get a FREE bus pass and a £20 weekly bursary for nine weeks of the programme, subject to criteria.
What other benefits are there?
In addition to the FREE bus pass and £20 per week payment*, you will also get:
FREE Breakfast*
PLUS Support from our Job Shop to help you in your job search
 
*subject to criteria
What qualifications might I gain?
AIM eLearning Certificate in Employability Skills
Functional Skills Maths and English
Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Youth Work Practice (optional)

A chat with Ashley – now an Apprentice with the NHS

“This programme helped me to build confidence, ambition and explore my career options. I decided I wanted to get into the NHS and the programme helped me to gain a better understanding of a role in the care industry, as well as providing the opportunity to apply for an Apprenticeship with the NHS. I really enjoyed the NHS tour before starting my work placement. Before the course, I just wanted to get a job but know university is definitely an option for me now.

“My work placement helped to put the job into perspective and allowed me to gain skills specific to the job such as moving and handling. It really helped me to build confidence in the workplace and when communicating with patients.

“I would definitely recommend this programme to other people, especially if you are not sure about your career options. It’s also good to help you to build skills or confidence ready for the work environment.”

For more information complete the form below, or contact the team on:

Call 01782 603754
Email Us