First Rung Pathways

Level 2 & 3

Your first step on the careers ladder

Our vocational Pathways programmes provide learners with the guidance, skills, and knowledge they need to progress to:

  • An apprenticeship

  • A level 3 vocational qualification

  • Employment

We offer Pathway opportunities in the following vocational areas:

  • Accountancy

  • Business Administration

  • Early Years

  • Health and Social Care

Programme content

Each pathway programme offers learners essential skills and knowledge training in their chosen vocational area alongside advice and guidance about career opportunities in that sector. They will receive employability support, including CV building and interview preparation and will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement which may lead to an apprenticeship or a job.

Learners requiring support with English and maths will be enrolled on the appropriate course while all programme participants will undertake the Essential Digital Skills Qualification.

Pathway courses last for up to an academic year with learners attending at least 16 hours per week.

Achievement and progression pathways

Accountancy – learners undertake the AAT level 2 certificate in Book-Keeping. Those who achieve the qualification will have the opportunity to progress to the level 3 AAT Assistant Accountant qualification through either an Apprenticeship or the First Rung Study Programme.

Business Administration – learners undertake the level 2 Pearsons Business Administration Certificate. Those who achieve the qualification will have the opportunity to progress to the level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship or a level 3 Business Administration qualification with a college.

Early Years – learners learn the key principles of Childcare and find out what working in that sector involves. They get hands-on experience of childcare work through a placement in an Early Years setting. On completion of their placement, they will have the opportunity to an Early Years apprenticeship.

Health and Social Care – Learners undertake the level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care which provides them with the foundation skills and knowledge they need. They will have the opportunity to progress to a level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care with First Rung or another provider.

On all pathways, candidates who wish to progress to employment will be supported in applying for a job.

Eligibility

  • 16-year-olds (of school leaving age) to 18-year-olds

  • 16 – 18-year-olds must not hold A Levels or other qualifications at Level 3 or above.

  • Must have been continuously resident in the EU for at least the past 3 years.

  • Must have ID Documents – either UK Birth Certificate, Passport or Home Office Documents

  • Early Years and Health and Social Care applicants will require a DBS check.

  • Must be able to demonstrate an ability to work towards Level 1 in English and maths.

Learner testimonial

“I would like to thank First Rung for preparing and helping me find an apprenticeship. I received a lot of one-to-one guidance and First Rung creates an enjoyable environment to learn and excel. The staff are incredibly supportive and care about their learners’ physical and mental health.”

Vishmi Weerasaekera

Early Years Pathway learner