Pre Technical and Skills for Work at Hillsborough

Leaving school can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what you want to do next or didn’t quite get the grades you hoped for. Our Pre-Technical and Skills for Living and Work pathway at City Campus is here to help you build confidence, develop new skills, and take the next step that’s right for you

Pre-Technical Studies

Pre-Technical Studies offers a supportive first step into education for young people who have just missed out on the grades for Level 1.

The course helps learners build confidence, improve English and maths, and develop personal, social, and emotional skills. It also provides the opportunity to explore a technical area, helping students discover their strengths and interests in preparation for future learning or employment.

Foundation Studies

Foundation Studies is designed for young people leaving school with few or no GCSEs who need a fresh start in a supportive environment. It’s ideal if school didn’t go as planned, or if you would benefit from a smaller, more nurturing setting before joining a main college programme. You’ll build confidence while developing your English, maths, personal, social, and employability skills, and explore future career options through engaging, practical learning.

Assessment is portfolio-based, meaning your progress is measured through coursework, practical activities, and evidence you collect throughout your learning.

Some formal assessments may take place for English and Maths qualifications.

Pre-Technical Studies

Entry requirements to be discussed at interview.

Foundation Studies

Entry requirements to be discussed at interview.

Interview process

Your interview will be a friendly meeting with a tutor.

You will have the chance to talk about your interests, your goals, and the support you may need to succeed. This helps us make sure you are on the right course and can achieve your full potential.

We will also offer a supported Transition event before joining us in September for you to get to know us and for us to prepare to support you in the best way we can.

Will this course suit me?

These programmes are designed for young people who are not yet ready for a Level 1 or technical course, or who would benefit from a bit of extra support before moving on. You’ll learn in small, friendly groups with staff who understand that everyone learns differently and at their own pace.