First Data’s approach to IAG starts at the enrolment stage when students are asked about their current employment status and ambitions and the qualifications and skills they already have and are seeking. This information is formalised through a Personal Action Plan, which is prepared by all students (except those on drop-in programmes) under the guidance of their tutor. Training requirements and the options available to achieve the desired skills and experience are discussed and agreed with students at this stage, including arrangements for improving basic and key skills where necessary. Progress is reviewed at key points in their course, at the end of which, students are encouraged to decide on the action they plan to take immediately thereafter to help them achieve their goals. This may involve enrolment on further training courses with First Data or other providers, take-up of pre-recruitment help and work experience opportunities or direct approaches to potential employment or volunteering opportunities. For eligible students, that is, those with without a Level 2 qualification or who have not been seen before, this end-of-course guidance is provided at one-to-one sessions by a qualified IAG worker through our partnership with “nextstep” Guideline Careers Service.

 

September 2007