Workstart

This Workstart course has been designed for young people with additional support needs including care experienced young people. The course is student centered and we work with each young person to identify their strengths and qualities and help them challenge their abilities and focus on their future. 

The course is centered on three themes: 

  • Work skills - We offer a Steps to Work programme where students participate in local community projects.
  • Personal Development - We support students to develop knowledge of their skills and qualities, and personal and social development through individual and team working.
  • Attainment - Coreskills and SQA units are embedded into the course and students work throughout the year on increasing their qualifications at their required level. 

The course is one-year full time, 16 hours per week, and many of our students’ progress onto other courses, training and employment, students may apply for another year of Workstart with recommendations from their lecturers. 

  • SQA Steps to Work Award, involving volunteer work in the Community- Level 3 or 4

  • Coreskills – level appropriate to the learner

  • SQA Subjects that may include Cookery, Construction, Art, and Care, dependent on Campus 

  • All learners will receive individual guidance and support to help them make decisions about their future
  • Other FE college courses
  • Employment  
  • Other training courses 

  • Project SEARCH
  • Other FE college courses
  • Other training opportunities
  • Employment 

  • No formal requirements- applicants will be invited to a suitability session and must be able to work between SCQF Levels 3 and 4
  • Students must be aged 16 or over before the 4 October 2025
  • Students must be willing to participate in suitable local community projects
  • Students must be independent travelers
  • 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 

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

 

Location

Stirling Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 4

Apply for this course
Location

Alloa Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 4

Apply for this course
Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 4

Apply for this course