Norfolk Adult Learning: Construction Courses Back Into Work

Success Story

Norfolk County Council Adult Learning uses our Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Awards in Building and Construction to run short, practical construction courses for adults who are out of work and out of confidence. Learners progress into further learning, Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, apprenticeships and employment.

If you are trying to reach adults who have been out of work for a long time, who are wary of returning to education, or who a full programme would lose in the first fortnight, get in touch.

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At a glance

Centre

Norfolk County Council Adult Learning, a local authority adult and community learning service

Qualifications

Entry Level Award in Building and Construction (Entry 3) and Level 1 Award in Building and Construction

The challenge

Reaching adults who are long-term unemployed, low in confidence and unsure about returning to education

The solution

Short, fully funded construction tasters built from Entry 3 and Level 1 units, delivered in small groups across mornings, afternoons and evenings

The result

Strong retention, and progression into further learning, SWAPs, apprenticeships and employment

From the moment learners enrol, we work with them to map out a clear pathway and Gateway units fit perfectly into that journey. Learners can get a taste of a specific area of construction and, if they choose to pursue it, progress into further learning or Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). Some learners attend multiple courses to explore different areas before deciding on their next step, while others move on to apprenticeships or directly into work. These tasters help learners explore their options, build belief in their potential and take meaningful steps toward their next opportunity.

Mark Yorkston, Curriculum Manager at Norfolk County Council Adult Learning

The challenge: how do you reach adults who are out of work and out of confidence?

The learners Norfolk County Council Adult Learning supports often face significant personal and practical barriers, including long-term unemployment, low confidence and limited prior qualifications. The service receives referrals from the Jobcentre and works closely with local homeless charities and community partners to reach individuals who are traditionally hard to reach.

For these learners, large workbooks or academically demanding programmes can present a barrier in themselves. Many are returning to learning after long absences and are not ready for a longer course, so the size of the commitment matters as much as the subject.

The construction sector, meanwhile, faces ongoing skills shortages and rising demand for a trained workforce, which makes the gap on both sides worth closing.

The solution: Delivering Building and Construction Awards with Gateway Qualifications

Norfolk County Council Adult Learning delivers a range of beginner-friendly construction tasters designed to build learners’ confidence and introduce key practical skills. The centre delivers plastering and electrical units taken from our fully funded Building and Construction qualifications. Additional tasters, such as basic DIY, woodwork and brickwork, are delivered as non-accredited, tailored sessions to meet the needs of local learners.

Delivered in small, supportive groups across morning, afternoon and evening sessions, each programme offers a supportive introduction for learners who may not be ready for longer courses. Safeguarding and wellbeing are delivered with the course to support learners’ personal development and prepare them for their next steps. Unit design does a lot of the work here. Smaller workbooks and concise, achievable tasks reduce the pressure on learners who are re-engaging with education, and let the centre combine hands-on construction activity with manageable written elements and embedded maths.

Gateway Qualifications smaller workbooks mean learners don't need to complete large amounts of written work straight away, which makes a huge difference to the people we support. We're able to combine hands-on construction activities with manageable written elements and embedded maths skills such as measurements and estimates. This helps learners build sector-relevant competency while gradually rebuilding confidence in their ability to learn.

Mark Yorkston, Curriculum Manager at Norfolk County Council Adult Learning

The results: from a taster course to a SWAP, an apprenticeship or a job

The construction tasters have resulted in strong retention and increased confidence. At enrolment, staff work with each learner to set personal goals and outline a realistic progression route, so a next step exists before the first one has finished.

The practical nature of the units helps learners achieve early success, which is a significant motivator. Many learners move on to Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), apprenticeships or employment, while others use their newfound confidence to explore different learning opportunities.

Partnerships with the Jobcentre and local employers also enable the Council to support general labourers in developing the skills they need and in gaining a CSCS card, significantly improving their employability.

Our learners need short taster courses that focus on building confidence. Gateway Qualifications' Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Awards are ideal because they're practical, fully funded and flexible, meeting the needs of different cohorts. Their structure also allows us to tailor delivery around the learner, ensuring our programmes remain relevant and accessible.

Mark Yorkston, Curriculum Manager at Norfolk County Council Adult Learning

What this could mean for your learners

The learners at Norfolk County Council Adult Learning did not arrive short of ability. They arrived after a long time out of work, often with few qualifications behind them and little confidence that education was for them. What changed that was a course short enough to say yes to, written work small enough not to stop anyone, and a next step already agreed on the day they enrolled.

The same is possible for very different learners, in very different settings. If you are working out what a first step could look like for yours, we’re here whenever you’d like to talk.