Cornwall Rural Community Charity

We are a Post 16 Programme of study for young people funded by Adult Education aged between 16-24 who have an Education, Health Care Plan.

Running for 5 years Learn Your Way is a post 16 programme of study which understands the needs of learners who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). We believe that with the right support and encouragement young people can achieve a qualification, build their skills and confidence, make friends and progress onto even better things!

We are based in the centre of communities and our young people experience all that our towns have to offer as their extra classroom.

The Programme

• Students spend 3 days a week with us, 2 days in the classroom and community engagement as well as 1 day involving work experience/ enterprise project.
• We operate from two sites, Penhaligon House in Truro and The Penwith Centre in Penzance.
• Our programme has expanded and is able to offer more variety in the way of real work experience including an enterprise programme and access to a range of community projects such as Mount Hawke Skate Park Market Garden, Truro City Council Wildlife Trail, Cormac and BF Adventure, to name a few. Here our students meet new people and learn new skills.
• We provide have an experienced team of learning support assistants to ensure that our learners have the right level of support they need, whether it be in the classroom or externally.
• We prepare learners for adulthood by developing confidence, social skills, teamwork, time management, money skills & independent living skills, within small nurturing groups.
• English, Maths & ICT Skills are embedded with the opportunity for a formal qualification. (Functional skills are also an option )
• Small & focused programme with limited spaces because not all of us like the hustle and bustle of busy learning environments.
• At the request of Cornwall Council we are also able to deliver a Bespoke programme tailored to the needs of the individual, which has led to progression to college, volunteering and employment.

Work Your Way is a 1-year programme where we work with young adults with an ECHP to prepare them for working life. The programme consists of 3 days per week.

Work Your Way is a small, bespoke provision that is suitable for young people who require additional support to find, access and maintain work placements that could lead to employment. We focus on enabling young people to access supported placements with local employers that meet their individual skills and aspirations. Work Your Way develops young people’s confidence and ability to travel independently and to effectively work with others in order to succeed at work.

Work Experience Program (16 to 24 with an EHCP)

‘Prepare for your next steps in working and volunteering’

Suitable for students who want to explore a variety of experiences in work, the community and volunteering before making a decision on to next steps. The Work Experience program enables learners to go on industry visits, meet guest speakers, learn about themselves and receive ESA support during the course before moving on to their next steps.

• 2 days per week in the workroom in group sessions
• 1 day per week volunteering, work-experience or community work with an ESA
• Try a variety of new work experiences in short blocks
• Visit industries and businesses
• Discover your skills and interests
• Supported work experiences

What you need to know

• The first 8 weeks are based at our centres. The remaining 36 weeks are spent two days in the workplace, matched to your goals and ambitions, and one day back with the programme to keep building on your skills in CV writing, interview skills, improving confidence and team working.
• Ideally you have an idea of what type of work you want to do prior to starting this programme in order to get the most out of it. We provide high quality information, advice and guidance to help you with this.
• Our aim that by the end of the supported internship programme that you have either gained paid employment, become a formal volunteer or are engaged in another form of meaningful activity. We want to challenge you and support you to succeed.
• You will always also have support staff with you either in class or in the work place
• Our programme is currently based in Truro