Steps to Employment (Work Based Learning)

The National Open College Network (NOCN) is a leading UK awarding organisation offering high quality, flexible, credit-based qualifications and is accredited by the Regulatory Authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We work in partnership and through licensing arrangements with Agored Cymru for the delivery of our qualifications in Wales.

There are more than 2500 centres nationally offering NOCN qualifications and/or OCN accredited provision. We currently have over 100 qualifications on both the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). They are made up of more than 1,000 units from a wide range of subjects, including IT, health and social care, crafts, creative arts and design, foundations for learning and life and preparation for work. We offer different types of qualifications in vocationally related subjects, skills for life and at entry level.

NOCN qualifications and OCN accredited provision are delivered through further education and sixth form colleges, universities and higher education institutions, trade unions, TUC education, employers, local education authorities and training organisations, adult and community education centres, and voluntary and community organisations.

1. Operate a Computer
This unit teaches learners about the health and safety implications of using IT both in the home and the workplace as well as introducing the various basic parts of the computer.

2. Word Processing Software
This Unit allows the learner to develop word processing skills and to evaluate how these skills would be used in real world scenarios.

3.Spreadsheet Software
In this unit the learner is introduced to the basics of spreadsheet calculations and design and given the opportunity to explore how spreadsheets are used in the workplace.

4. Database Software
The learner is supplied with a database which they have the opportunity to manipulate and gain an insight into the workings of Microsoft Access.

5. Internet and Intranets
This unit introduces the learner to the different methods of connecting to the World Wide Web. It covers the positive and negative impact of the World Wide Web, how to stay safe online as well as giving them the opportunity to gain experience in searching for specific information.

6. Use IT to Exchange Information
In this unit the learner will enhance the skills learned in the previous unit - creating, sending, receiving and forwarding email, using search engines to access web sites and navigate to specific information.

Katherine Jennings 01792 890700