Skills for Work – Employability Skills

Glasgow City Council’s Vocational Programme: Sport and Recreation

Glasgow City Council’s Vocational Programme (GVP) delivers quality accredited vocational training programmes to pupils from 29 Glasgow secondary schools. As well as catering for mainstream pupils, the programme provides vocational options to meet the needs of pupils in schools for those with moderate learning difficulties, pupils referred from the Restorative Justice Programme and pupils within an Enhanced Vocational Inclusion Programme who are either looked after or accommodated by Social Work Services.

The main emphasis of GVP is on providing a two-year training course spanning S3 and S4 for pupils aged 14-16 years. In most cases these programmes replace a more traditional non-core Standard Grade and are available in a range of occupational sectors, including sport and recreation. Pupils study these vocational options alongside their other Standard Grades; however, the challenges that this type of learning presents are different from the traditional classroom experience. Pupils follow their chosen option for one or two half-days per week over the two years and all delivery takes place in a ‘real life’ workshop environment and related work-based placement. Pupils are transported to and from their base school, and all protective equipment and study aids are provided by GVP.

Attainment, attendance and behaviour are all monitored and regular updates and progress reports are provided to pupils, parents and schools. Teachers responsible for the co-ordination of vocational training within each school meet with college lecturers and workplace assessors on a regular basis to discuss pupil progress. This ensures the continual flow of information among all stakeholders. Parents are also given the opportunity to discuss progress with all staff involved.