Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Extended Certificate in Preparation for Employment (Entry 1)

Rules of Combination

Learners must complete 26 credits of which a minimum of 16 credits must be at E1. Learners may include no more than 2 units from Group O2 Working in a Sector. Learners cannot include more than one unit with the same or similar title. For full details see list of barred units.

Units

What is the purpose of this qualification?

This qualification is primarily aimed at learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities or with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND), including those with complex needs, who are keen to get a job but first need a structured programme of learning to support their understanding of the world of work and the development of employability skills in preparation for supported employment.

What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

This qualification includes a broad range of skills which will support learners to develop the generic employability skills needed in most jobs, including areas such as working with customers, managing their time, problem-solving and getting on with colleagues. There are no mandatory units, enabling learners and providers to work together to select units appropriate to the individual’s needs, interests and aspirations for employment in line with the aims of the SEND reforms.

How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

There is a Gateway Qualifications Award, Certificate and Extended Certificate in Preparation for Employment. The Extended Certificate is designed to meet the needs of learners, who would benefit from an extended course with a primary focus on employability skills. The size of the qualification means that for for full-time learners including those on 16-19 study programmes, there is still space in their programme for other types of learning, including, for example, English and Maths, work experience, or personal and social development, including unaccredited provision.

Which sector does this qualification support?

This qualification supports progression to supported employment opportunities across a number of sectors.

What are the progression options?

Learners can progress from this qualification to further Entry level learning in the area of employability skills, including, for example, the Gateway Qualifications Entry level Certificate in Preparation for Employment (Entry 2).

Progression & Entry Requirements

Funding information

• This qualification is eligible for funding under the adult education budget (AEB).

• This qualification is eligible for funding under the European Social Fund (ESF).

• This qualification appears on the section 96 approved qualification list for delivery to young people aged less than 19 years old.

Learning Aims Search

The Hub provides a Learning Aims Search which you can use to check the funding status of any qualification or unit.

Access the Learning Aims Search on the ESFA’s Hub website

We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.

Internal Quality Assurance

Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustment Forms

Expert View: Entry Level Webinar

Meeting Learners’ Needs at Entry Level

Suggested Resources for SEND