Adult & HE Guide 2023/2024

Part-time, Access & HE

#TRANSFORMINGLIVES

At Hartlepool College of Further Education, we’ve been transforming lives since 1849! For over 170 years we have been ensuring adult learners of the town and surrounding areas have been given the right knowledge, skills and qualifications to progress and advance their careers. In addition, we have equipped adults with the attitudes and behaviours employers look for and we know that what we do gives adult learners confidence to seek out and exploit the opportunities life presents to them.

Our adult and higher education programmes can help you upskill, reskill and gain new qualifications. Whether you are looking to enter or to progress in the workplace, or to gain a place at university; Hartlepool College of FE aims to transform your life.

Lots of our courses are FREE at the point of use and this means that there are no upfront fees. That said, hard work is required!

Please take your time to look through this prospectus as it contains information related to the courses on offer as well as other useful information.

I look forward to welcoming you

Darren Hankey Principal & Chief Executive @HCFEprincipal

Start here...

“It was a chance conversation that sparked my interest, it was then I realised I could fit the course around my commitments and I am so glad I did.

I expected to be one of the oldest when I arrived, you get this impression of college being for those just out of school. I was wrong, I was one of the youngest in my class! “

Finding the right qualification for you

Choose the right curriculum area 1

Whether you are wanting to climb the career ladder in your chosen career or would like to change career pathways, it’s important you choose the right curriculum area.

Building Services

Construction

Creative Industries

Engineering, Manufacturing & Welding

English and Maths

Hair and Beauty

Health, Social Care and Counselling

Hospitality and Catering

IT and Computing

Management & Accounting

Sport, Travel & Tourism

Teaching and Learning

2 3

Choose the delivery mode that best suits you

Different courses have different demands. Some will be classed as full time and require a significant investment of your time whilst others will be part time and are achieved by attending around 3-8 hours per week.

For qualifications linked closely to industry practice or where they are a ‘licence to practice’ we offer bespoke delivery models with some being offered solely in your workplace. Also, look out for our online courses and enhance your CV with additional qualifications.

Find your level

Qualifications are offered in levels ranging from entry qualifications (E) all the way through to masters level qualifications (L7). Your previous qualifications and experiences will determine which level is best suited to you.

Level 7 - achieved a relevant Degree programme

Level 6 - achieved a relevant L5

Level 5 - achieved a relevant L4

Level 4 - achieved a relevant L3

4

Fund your studies

Many courses are free or have no upfront fees. There are many funding options available to help you pay for your course, see page 10 for more information.

Throughout this guide look out for the icons: Online Part-time Work Based Learning

Level 3 - achieved 5 or more ‘good’ GCSEs (or equivalent) or completed a relevant L2

Full-time Bespoke

Level 2 - achieved some GCSEs (or equivalent) or completed a previous relevant L1

Level 1 - Very few previous qualifications

Support at College

With so many courses and careers available, sometimes it can be confusing deciding where to start and where a subject can take you. Because of this, we employ professionally trained Advisers that have extensive experience supporting young people and adults into education, employment, higher education or further training. Our team provide a free impartial information, advice and guidance service for anyone seeking help with their education and training needs, as well as:

• Information on courses and progression

• Information on financial help available

• Information on childcare support

• Higher Education advice including how and when to apply

• Labour market insights to support your career transition

• Guidance on career changes, development, CV’s and job applications.

Funding your studies

Courses are free for many of our students!

There are many funding options available to help you pay for your course, and the icons below are shown next to each course in the prospectus. These will give you an idea of what funding is available.

RB

Financial Support for Adults Support

Funding is available to provide support to learners aged over 19 years of age who are experiencing financial difficulty with meeting the costs associated with their learning.

We believe that student support is essential to a successful learning experience and our staff at Hartlepool College work to ensure that all students have access to the best possible guidance and support systems.

FCJ

This course is FREE if you are in receipt of ‘out of work’ benefits or are employed and earning a low wage (contact Student Support for details of maximum income level).

This course is FREE if you do not hold a ‘full’ L3 qualification, or receive ‘out of work’ benefits or employed and earning a low wage (contact Student Support for details of maximum income level).

L2E

This course is FREE if you are aged between 19 and 23 years and do not hold a ‘Full’ Level 2 qualification.

L3E This course is FREE if you are aged between 19 and 23 years and do not hold a ‘Full’ Level 3 qualification.

ALL Adult Learner Loans are available to fund this course

HE Higher Education loans are available to fund this course

£ Course fee to be paid by learner or employer

FREE Free for all learners

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help!

There are lots of financial options and support processes available and a dedicated finance team to help you.

Even if you do not qualify for a free course, there are alternative options such as monthly direct debit payments.

We will consider all applications individually, and if you have a genuine need for financial assistance, we will try to help you.

Who is eligible?

Support is available to both full-time and parttime eligible learners on accredited courses. Learners will be expected to comply with College guidelines including attendance.

Will I qualify?

Learners whose household income is below £30000 per year can apply for

• childcare costs for registered childminders, nurseries and after-school clubs which are Ofsted-registered.

• travel costs to and from College (if living over 1.5 miles from the College)

• free/subsidised college meals

• other costs associated with attending College.

• University application fees and visit costs

Applicants must supply any evidence requested with the application form as it will not be assessed without it.

Where young adults live at home we do not include parent/carers income.

• Careers Advice - our highly qualified staff are on hand to give you the impartial advice to succeed in your career. From CV building to the ‘Job Shop’ we have a lots to offer.

• Course Information - our information team can provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision on the course of your choice.

• Financial support - we have a range of options to offer financial support, let us tell you all about them.

• Higher Education - dedicated staff support you every step of the way through your transition to Higher Education.

• Admissions - Let us find the right course for you and get you enrolled.

Online Courses

Increase your knowledge, enhance your skills and gain a qualification in the comfort of your own home...all without spending a penny. Our tutors will be on hand to provide the feedback and support needed to help you succeed.

For more information on these courses go to bit.ly/hcfeFREEOnline

Access to Higher Education

Want to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications?

Our Access to Higher Education Diplomas are ideal to get you into Higher Education. These courses provide an intense, fast track route onto a degree for adults who didn’t get the grades they needed first time around.

Where does an Access to HE Diploma course lead?

On successful completion of your Access programme you will have the opportunity to study at most universities up and down the country.

Not got the grades?

Study English and maths for FREE turn to page 10

#TRANSFORMINGLIVES

University Level Qualifications at HCFE

Study the qualification you need to take your career higher at Hartlepool College. Our wide range of Higher Education courses are created with and developed for their chosen industry, ensuring you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. With the majority of our HE courses delivered part time they can also be accessed around your current work commitments.

Industry Training

Pick

Part-Time Programmes

Looking for a course for leisure or for career advancement but can’t study full-time? These part-time programmes may be the solution. Depending on your circumstances, an Adult Learner Loan may be available or in some instances the course may be FREE!

*See page 8 for funding information

Health,

*See page 8 for funding information

FREE Courses for Jobs LEARN FOR FREE

Get ahead with a free courses and qualifications to help adults (19+) gain skills for life. These specialist qualifications are FREE for adults who have yet to complete a level 3 qualification with great career progression opportunities in a wide range of sectors. For more information go to hartlepoolfe.ac.uk/free-courses-jobs

#TRANSFORMINGLIVES

“After being made redundant I decided it was time for a change. I’d always fancied Accountancy but I was a bit apprehensive as I’d left school and gone straight into work. HCFE Staff were great at explaining all about the AAT course and I felt much more at ease.

My career in accountancy has really taken off and I’m now in a global financial role for a large multi-national company. I do believe my career stemmed from the course at HCFE, it really has transformed my life.”

Keith Windross