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

What is Future Focus?

Future Focus is a 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

With less pressure and lots of support, encouragement and a chance to move forward at a more gradual pace.

What will you do?

• Start when you're ready – we have start dates throughout the year
• Follow a reduced timetable
• A 10-week induction that allows you time to get used to the programme and the centre
• 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.

See some of our brand new Launchpad facilities below.

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 and 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 and 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’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.