Skills for Work and Life
Start
01 Sep 2026
End
31 Mar 2027
The Skills for Work and Study programme is designed to help learners build the essential digital, communication and numeracy skills needed to progress into employment, further education or training. Delivered in partnership with the Local Employability Partnership (LEP), this supportive programme is ideal for individuals who may lack confidence in learning, have been away from education for some time, or need to strengthen their core skills to move forward.
The course provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where learners can develop practical digital skills alongside nationally recognised Core Skills qualifications. Through small-group teaching, personalised support and confidence-building activities, participants gain the foundations required to access work opportunities, college courses and everyday digital tasks with greater independence.
Qualifications
On successful completion, learners may achieve:
- SCQF Level 4 or 5 Communication
- SCQF Level 4 or 5 Numeracy
These nationally recognised qualifications provide strong foundations for employment and further learning.
Delivery
This programme is delivered over 12 weeks, with learners attending one day per week at Borders College. Delivery includes:
- Classroom-based learning in small groups
- Supported practice using digital devices
- Guided employability and progression activities
- Ongoing feedback and one-to-one support
Learners receive approximately 6 hours of structured learning per week, providing consistent and manageable support to develop skills, confidence and readiness for next steps.
Location
Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. This course is suitable for:
- Unemployed or economically inactive individuals
- Adults returning to education or training
- School leavers
- Learners with low or outdated qualifications
- Individuals who lack confidence in digital skills, literacy or numeracy
The course is particularly suited to those who benefit from a supported re-entry into learning before progressing into work or further study.
Progression opportunities
The programme is designed as a stepping-stone into positive destinations, including:
- Entry-level employment across a range of sectors
- Further study at Borders College
- Sector-specific employability or vocational courses
- Volunteering or work-based learning opportunities
Learners who require additional support will receive guidance and referral to appropriate next steps through Borders College and partner organisations.
Application and Interview Process
All applications will be carefully reviewed by the delivery team to confirm that eligibility criteria and entry requirements are met. Admission to the course is based on these checks and will be at the discretion of the centre. A strong personal statement is essential at this stage.
Successful applicants will be formally enrolled and provided with a confirmed start date. Learners will be supported through induction and given opportunities to discuss their goals, ask questions and access wider college support services.
Career Prospects
Strong communication, numeracy and digital skills are essential across all sectors of the Scottish Borders economy. This course helps learners develop the transferable skills employers expect, improving access to opportunities in administration, retail, hospitality, care, construction, land-based industries and more.
By building confidence and competence in these core areas, learners are better prepared to compete for jobs, sustain employment and continue developing their careers.
Course Content
The Skills for Work and Study programme combines Core Skills development with practical digital learning to prepare learners for employment and further education. Key areas include:
- SCQF Level 4/5 Core Skills(s)
- Using digital devices confidently
- Online job searching and application processes
- Creating and editing basic documents using Office 365
- Using email appropriately and safely
- Developing problem-solving and organisational skills
- Introduction to college learning and progression pathways
- Employability skills and confidence building
Teaching focuses on practical, real-life tasks that learners are likely to encounter in the workplace, further study or everyday life. All learning is delivered using inclusive, trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
Case Study
Find out more by following this link.
Questions?
Get in touch for further information, we’re here to help.
01896 66 26 00