Pathways into employment

Whether you are planning your transition from secondary education to post 16 education and training, or have decided that you would like to return to education, you can find information here on the different providers in Swindon and further afield who are offering courses from Entry Level up to Degree Level and higher.

You will also find useful information on University and College open days and where you can go to seek advice on course options and career pathways.

Entry level 1 to degree level

• New College Swindon - deliver academic qualifications (GCSEs, A Levels), vocational and technical qualifications, higher education and degree-level courses, apprenticeships, professional and business training and leisure courses
• Wiltshire and Swindon Institute of Technology - deliver higher level technical education and training across a range of STEM occupations and industries
• Cirencester College - Sixth Form College providing A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, professional courses and level 1 and 2 courses
• 16-18 providers in Swindon - mostly A level/academic offer – check individual school websites
• Wiltshire College and University Centre - entry level up to higher education level study programmes and courses in a wide range of academic and vocational subjects
• Adult Community Learning - provides more than 100 free courses, which offer opportunities for residents to gain new skills in subjects like health and wellbeing, maths, english and IT, or to help them prepare to return to work
• Home School Tutoring - support students of all ages, building confidence and understanding, aiding progression and counteracting the pressures of classrooms and exams 
• Swindon Tuition Centre - deliver various alternative provision packages to mainstream schools, pupil referral units and home-schooled children and young people
• Horizons College (formerly UET College) - provides a range of courses for young adults aged 19-25 who have severe or profound multiple learning difficulties and/or complex needs
• Motivational Preparation College for Training (MPCT) - The Military Preparation College (MPC) is a unique training college that helps 16-19 year olds develop their fitness, vocational qualifications, and employability skills to help prepare for employment, including rewarding careers in the British Armed Forces.

Online learning, advice and information

• Academy 21 - provide a range of different commissioning options – from short trials through to annual arrangements. Online/remote alternative provision. Key stage 2 to Key stage 5
• Apricot Learning Online - provide online learning for students (8 – 18 years) who require alternative provision for long or short periods
• Ask Jules - assists young disabled adults to manage their personal (health) budgets. Assist clients to recruit and employ personal assistants to provide health and personal care and student support
• National Careers Service - offer skills health checks, online assessment tool to find out what jobs suit you, action plans, course searches and advice on CVs. 
• Lifepilot - a one-stop career website for adults (19+) with information and tools to help adults progress in life and work through higher education level study
• Get the Jump - for young people aged 14-19, ‘Get the Jump’ brings together all education and training choices for young people to help them get skills for life
• University and college open days directory - provides information on open days and application advice, helping students to choose the right university and course

Alternative education provision

• Pennyhooks Farm - provide a unique experience for young people and adults on the Autistic Spectrum: a meaningful, working life on a beautiful, small organic beef farm, situated on the Oxfordshire and Wiltshire border 
• Greatwood Charity - using former race horses to educate disadvantaged children and young adults with SEN/D. Emotional wellbeing, mindfulness and inclusion are at the heart of all Greatwood’s Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) programmes
• Rein and Shine - a not for profit equestrian learning centre for schools and educational establishments aimed at helping local children and young adults to access activities and gain new skills in horse care stable management and riding in an outdoor setting
• IProvefit - provider of establishing trusting relationships, breaking down barriers to learning and personal growth through positive role-modelling, strengthening and influencing confident values around oneself and reaching significant aspirations