Rathbone Cymru

Rathbone Cymru is one of the largest voluntary sector organisations in Wales, supporting young people who are facing barriers with education, employment or training. Its primary aim is to provide opportunities for young people of differing abilities and backgrounds to transform their life circumstances by re-engaging with learning, discovering their ability to succeed and achieving progression to further education, training and employment.

Ninety per cent of the young people Rathbone Cymru supports have four or fewer GCSEs, and more than 70% are below Level 1 basic skills ability. Certain characteristics are over-represented within the learner base, including anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol use, lack of independent living and offensive behaviour. A high percentage of the learners have had negative experiences in school.

Rathbone Cymru wanted a partner to assist its delivery of learning programmes that were planned and delivered in partnership with the learner, taking into consideration such parameters as preferred learning styles, learning goals and context.

By creating a positive learning environment of individuality and partnership, in which learners recognise their own progress and achievement, Rathbone was aiming to maximise attendance, retention, achievement and progression.

In September 2009, Rathbone Cymru chose Pearson Work Based Learning’s WorkSkills units as a strategic and curricular decision that benefits both itself as an organisation and its learners.

Rathbone Cymru introduced WorkSkills units at Entry level 3, Level 1 and Level 2, a combination of levels that suits the varying needs of its learners. WorkSkills allows learners to be rewarded for their progress and also to gain accreditation for the work that they were already doing.

The units allow Rathbone Cymru to engage with its full range of learners using bite-size learning opportunities that can be tailored to their individual needs and easily related to real-life situations.

WorkSkills encompasses work placement, interview techniques, teamwork and vocational skills, as well as the soft skills that employers look for, such as adaptability, eagerness to learn and a can-do attitude. The majority of units are based on 10 hours of learning in which learners put together a folder of work or complete an assignment that is assessed by the tutor. There are no formal exams or tests.

Rathbone Cymru says its relationship with Pearson Work Based Learning has introduced more structure to its pre-vocational programme and given clear guidance on what should be assessed and how.

Sheila Llewelyn, Quality and Curriculum Manager at Rathbone Cymru, says: “Structure is extremely important to both us and our learners. We have developed a very close relationship with Pearson and that underpins our ability to offer a consistent and relevant learning framework to learners with varied backgrounds, learning experiences and abilities.”

WorkSkills has made a significant improvement in skills development, punctuality, attendance and attainment of learners. The WorkSkills units have helped to address deficiencies in literacy, numeracy, language and communication skills. The rules of combination within the WorkSkills suite also give learners the flexibility to work across levels that match their needs, and there is real evidence of learners taking greater ownership of their own development.

Feedback from employers has been positive. Sheila explains: “At our recent Achievers event, the Employer of the Year commented on the difference that WorkSkills had made to the young person on placement with him. The young person is more engaged and now proactively asks questions rather than waiting to be told what to do. The learner is better prepared for his role, understands the importance of punctuality, hygiene and personal appearance and recognises the benefits of employment.”