Lifestart
This course is designed for young people who have significant learning support needs. This course works towards accredited learning with an emphasis on extending social skills, life skills and encouraging independence.
Students will study towards the SQA Personal Achievement Award at Level 2, which is designed to enable learners to develop their confidence, independence, and their ability to communicate and respond to others in their own way.
Students will be supported in small classes and have access to an Additional Support Worker as well as extended college support, where they will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of new and familiar activities, and to experience and contribute to their community across a range of social contexts.
The course is one Year full time, 16 hours per week, however students may apply for another year of Lifestart with recommendations from their lecturers.
Content
- Literacy
- Health and wellbeing
- Employability, enterprise and citizenship
- Thinking skills
Career Paths
- All learners will receive individual guidance and support to help them make decisions about their future.
Progression
- Part-time college programmes for adults
- Supported employment opportunities
- Community-based or social work provision
Entry requirements
- No formal entry requirements
- Able to work independently at SCQF level 2
- Students must be aged 16 or over before the 4 October 2026
- Any personal care support must be arranged before the start of the college year with an approved external agency
Additional requirements:
- A Reference and Transition information from School/Social Work or other support agency
- Selection by interview
- Please be aware that in line with Scottish Funding Council guidance, 16-24 year old prospective students who meet the criteria for this course, will be allocated available places first and any remaining places will be allocated in line with normal college practice.
More Info
Further advice for full-time applicants:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Alloa Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 2
Falkirk Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 2
Stirling Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 2