Future Focus: A fresh start. A positive next step.

 

Not sure what’s next?

Whether you’re feeling unsure about college, work, or an apprenticeship – Future Focus is here to help.

It’s a supportive programme designed especially for young people who need a bit more time, confidence, or guidance before deciding on their next step.

 

What is Future Focus?

Future Focus is a flexible and friendly programme at Blackburn College where you can:

• Build your skills and confidence
• Work towards recognised qualifications
• Get ready for work, college or an apprenticeship
• Learn in a smaller, supportive environment
• Access one-to-one help every step of the way

There’s no pressure, just support, encouragement and a chance to move forward at your own pace.

 

What will you do?

 Your experience will be built around you:

• Start when you're ready – choose a flexible start date
• Follow a personalised timetable
• Pick short or longer courses – it's your choice
• Learn in a welcoming, dedicated space
• Get help to take your next step, whether that’s college, training, or a job

 

What will you learn?

You’ll gain practical, useful skills to move forward with confidence:

Skills for work

• CV writing
• Interview techniques
• Communication and teamwork
• Real work experience opportunities

Qualifications

• English and Maths (Functional Skills or GCSEs)
• Other relevant certifications to boost your CV

Life skills

• Confidence building
• Managing money
• Wellbeing and everyday life skills

Get involved

• Join community projects
• Make a difference while building your confidence

 

All with support from your own personal tutor and our expert careers team.

 

Programme Overview

Future Focus is built around three key pillars of learning:

1. Employability Skills – Preparing students for the world of work with workplace skills, CV writing, interview techniques, and exposure to real-life work environments.
2. Academic Development – Providing accredited qualifications, including the opportunity to study GCSE Maths and English alongside other vocational and employability-based learning.
3. Personal Development – Supporting students with essential life skills, well-being, and enrichment activities to build confidence and resilience.

 

Core Components

• NCFE Accredited Qualifications
• Students can achieve NCFE Entry Level 3, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 qualifications in a range of subjects, supporting their progression into further education and employment.
• Maths and English Provision
• Students will work towards accredited qualifications, including Functional Skills and GCSEs in Maths and English, ensuring they meet the entry requirements for further study or employment.
• Employability & Work Readiness
• Engagement with employers through work experience opportunities and preparation tasks.
• Development of key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Career guidance and application support for apprenticeships, higher education, or employment.
• Social Action Projects
• Students will engage in real-world projects that develop their knowledge, skills, and behaviours to prepare them for future opportunities.
• Community-based initiatives to encourage teamwork, responsibility, and leadership.
• Specialist Careers Team
• A dedicated careers team will support students every step of the way, providing guidance on career planning, progression routes, and job applications.
• Tutorial Programme & Enrichment
• A structured tutorial programme aligned with the Blackburn College Personal Development framework.
• Sessions covering key topics such as financial literacy, mental health awareness, digital skills, and citizenship.
• Enrichment activities, including health and hobby-related programmes, to support personal growth and engagement.

Who is Future Focus for?

This programme could be perfect for you if:

• You don’t feel ready for a full college course just yet
• You want smaller class sizes and more individual support
• You’d like to build your confidence before starting work or training
• You prefer learning at your own pace
• You’re looking for a new beginning

 

What’s next?

After Future Focus, you’ll be ready to take your next step — and we’ll help you get there.

You could progress to:

• A full-time college course
• An apprenticeship
• A job
• Further training

 

Ready to find out more?

Talk to your careers adviser, youth worker, or support worker about Future Focus — or contact us directly.

Email: futurefocus@blackburn.ac.uk

Newground Together

 

We’re ready when you are.