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Lewisham College is proud to present the Bus Driver Sector-Based Work Academy, in partnership with Transport for London and Transport UK London Bus. This programme equips learners with the essential skills and qualities required to begin a rewarding career as a bus driver.

The course is designed to develop customer service, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing learners for the variety and challenges of life on London’s roads. Applications from women are especially encouraged, helping to build a diverse and talented workforce.

Course Units:

• NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills

• Highfield Level 1 Award in Customer Service

Key Dates: 

• Pre-Assessment: Monday 3 November 2025
• Course Start: Monday 10 November 2025
• Course End: Tuesday 9 December 2025
• Guaranteed Job Interview: December 2025

Career Path:

Learners who successfully complete the pre-employment training and interview will:

• Undertake 6–8 weeks of practical bus driving training at Battersea depot
• Complete classroom and practical sessions, working at least 38 hours per week, including early mornings and late nights
• Receive local depot induction and route training
• Progress to full-time bus driving roles

Entry Requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be 19 years or older
• Hold a UK bank account and valid Right to Work documents
• Have a full UK driving licence (category B) with at least six months of UK driving experience
• Maintain an excellent driving record – no more than six penalty points and no drink-driving offences in the last five years
• Computer skills

Training and Salary Benefits:

During training:

• Hourly pay: £13.15, rising to £15.05–£15.90

On completion:

• Full Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training
• Paid theory and practical driving tests
• Comprehensive route and service training

Additional Benefits:

Transport UK London Bus provides employees with:

• Free travel on all TfL routes for employees and a friend or family member (available after three months, valued at approximately £8,000).
• Comprehensive training and development to support career progression.
• Annual safe driving bonus and high street vouchers for excellent performance.
• Contributory pension scheme – employees contribute 5% of their salary, with an additional 3% contribution from Transport UK London Bus. Life insurance is also provided for participants in the scheme.
• Salary sacrifice options, allowing employees to obtain items such as laptops, smartwatches, TVs, or phones in exchange for slightly reduced pay.
• Discounts at major retailers, including Apple, Adidas, Nike, Vue, Odeon, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and more.
• Eye test vouchers to support employee health and wellbeing.
• Employee Assistance Programme, offering free personal and professional support, including private physiotherapy.
• Opportunities to increase earnings through the annual safe driving bonus, referral schemes, and recognition via golden tickets for exceptional driving and customer service.

Lewisham College is supporting the next generation of London bus drivers.

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This programme is delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and has been designed to support recruits for Civil Service roles across various departments.

You will develop a range of employability skills whilst building confidence, enhancing your CV and understanding the application process by undertaking mock interviews and practice tests.

Qualification: 

• NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills 
• Highfield Level 1 Award in Customer Service

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This programme will introduce you to the essentials of working in Business Administration. You will gain an understanding of the role of an administrator; the procedures for making and receiving calls, delivering effective customer service, diary management, confidentiality and data protection.

You will develop your communication, teamwork and organisation skills, as well as understanding the job application process and effective interview techniques.

Qualification: 

• BIIAB Level 1 Award in Business Administration
• NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills

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This qualification is an introduction to the information and knowledge needed to work in primary, secondary or supported learning schools. It covers the many varied roles that full- and part-time support staff may fulfil, including administrative roles, site support roles, technical roles and volunteers, as well as those roles that work directly with children and young people in the school environment.

Qualification: 

• NCFE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

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This Level 1 Award Health and Safety qualification is aimed at learners who want to work in construction. Successful completion will enable you to move on to take the CITB health, safety and environment test, and obtain the Green Labourer Card.

You will develop your communication, teamwork and organisation skills, as well as understanding the job application process and effective interview techniques.

Qualification:

• NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills & CSCS

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This programme is delivered in partnership with Caremark (Bromley) and has been designed to support those looking to secure Care Worker roles.

You will study a range of sector-specific units including; NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills, Pearson Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care, Infection Prevention and Safeguarding.

You will develop a range of employability skills whilst building confidence, enhancing your CV and understanding the application process by undertaking mock interviews and practice tests.

Qualifications:

• NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills 
• Pearson Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Infection Prevention
• Safeguarding

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This programme is designed to give you the functional skills you need to develop your English skills and increase your chances of securing employment

You will develop your skills within reading and writing skills, numeracy and. IT skills. You will also develop key employability skills through job searching, interview practice and job application and CV writing workshops.

Qualification:

• Basic Skills English E3 (Non-regulated)

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This programme is delivered in partnership with popular bakery chain, Greggs, and has been designed to support those looking for Team Leader, Shift Leader and Supervisor roles. 

You will study a range of sector-specific units that cover the essentials health and safety in the workplace, the world of retail and food safety in catering. 

You will also develop a range of employability skills whilst building confidence, enhancing your CV and understanding the application process by undertaking mock interviews and practice tests. 

Qualifications: 

• NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills  
• BIIAB Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering 
• BIIAB Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace  
• BIIAB Level 2 Certificate in Retail Knowledge 

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This programme is designed to support adults prepare for the world of work with a detailed insight into employment and practical experience to help them with job applications, preparation for interviews, and an understanding of how to detail with different situations in a work setting.

Qualification:

• NCFE E3 Certificate in Employability Skills

Lewisham College are delighted to be in partnership with LEYF to run a Sector-Based Work Academy Programme for roles within the Early Years education and care field. The course will include a 3-day work placement, and upon completion there is a guaranteed job interview.

The first 5 years of a child’s life is where you can make an impact, create a firm foundation to support their future and create individual pathways. Not every child has a father figure in their lives which is why we are proud to be supporting LEYF with inspiring and encouraging men to also apply for this amazing SWAP.

The Certificate in Childcare Level 1 with Employability Skills, this is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of childcare. This course is designed to carter to the recruitment needs of local childcare providers. 
 
Key Components: 

1. Childcare Fundamentals: Learn the core principles of childcare, child development, and age-appropriate teaching methods. 
2. Employability Skills: Develop crucial skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism to excel in the childcare profession. 

Key Benefits: 

1. Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates gain access to various entry level roles such as nursery assistant, nanny, babysitter, playgroup assistant, or creche assistant. 
2. Professional Development: Participants acquire valuable insights and expertise to excel in providing high-quality childcare. 
3. Child Development Focus: The program emphasises understanding child development, benefiting parents and caregivers in comprehending children’s needs. 
4. Earning Potential: Completion of the certificate program can lead to higher-paying positions and career advancement. 
5. Community Impact: Graduates positively impact their communities by providing quality childcare services and supporting families. 

Units include:

• NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills with ICT
• NCFE Level 1 Award in Caring for Children
• 3-day Work Placement

Pre-assessment: Monday 20 January 2025
Start date: Tuesday 28 January 2025
End date: Friday 14 March 2025
Work Placement: Monday 17th March 2025
Guaranteed job interview: Monday 24 March 2025

Duration: 35 days (including work placement)
Location: Lewisham College, Lewisham Way, London, SE4 1UT

Eligibility

Your customer must be aged 19 years+ (before 31 August 2024) and in receipt of UC, JSA, or ESA, and be able to commit to the times and duration of the course.

For more information, and to make a referral please call the Employment and Skills Team on 02037574350. Alternatively, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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1. Programme overview
2. Pre programme assessment
3. Key Dates
4. Eligibility
5. Referral process

TfL Activate is a 12-week programme for people aged 19+ in receipt of benefits* with little to no work experience. The programme is a mixture of theory and practical learning which aims to:

• Increase the confidence of individuals that experience disadavantages in gaining employment.
• Increase the experience, skills and technical competencies needed to progress within your career journey.
• Increase awareness of the different job roles and opportunities within TfL and the wider transport sector.

People on Activate will:
• Complete Business Administration, Customer Service and Employability qualifications
• Complete 4 weeks work experience within a customer focussed area.
• Complete bespoke TfL training

Skills and qualities needed for programme:
• Strong oral and written skills
• Positive and friendly manner
• Solution focussed approach.
• Commitment to programme duration

Placement area Snapshots

Lost Property (East London)
“We provide “world-class” customer service by handling all aspects of the lifecycle of any lost item received in the Lost Property Office. We are a multi-facetted team that works both face to face and behind the scenes to provide an excellent experience for customers that lose property across the TfL network.” Duties may include manual handling.

Visitor Centres (Pan London)
Visitor Centres are first port of call for millions of people visiting London. Our staff will be on hand to offer a warm welcome and advice on tickets and a range of services to help visitors make the most out of the Capital. Click here to find out more.

Customer Contact Centre (East London)
“We're a multi-channelled contact centre, providing personalised customer service solutions for people using the London transport network and a wide range of other services Transport for London is responsible for. The team prides itself in investigating and resolving a range of customer issues, complaints, and enquiries.

Pre-assessment information

Stage 1 - English, IT and Maths assessment.
Stage 2 – Invitation to interactive assessment

TfL Activate Page 2 of 2

Programme recruitment will include a two-step assessment process. Invitees will be required to complete an English, IT and Maths diagnostic test to demonstrate that they can work to the standard needed to complete programme qualifications. Successful candidates from stage 1 will be invited to attend the 2nd stage assessment. Please highlight any reasonable adjustment requirements during referral.

Key Dates

Activity: Initial assessment
Key date: TBC

*Eligibility & ID requirements
You must be aged 19 years+ and in receipt of JSA, ESA, or UC and be able to commit to the times and duration of the course.
• JCP referral letter or Universal Credit payment screen print (MUST be dated within the last 3 months)
• Valid UK/EU Passport OR All other passports – Must have indefinite leave to remain OR recourse to public funds.
• UK Birth certificate

Referral process

For more information, and to make a referral please call the Employment and Skills Team on 02037574350. Alternatively, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Overview

Kick-start your career in the security industry with a fully funded Security Sector-Based Work Academy at Lewisham College. Designed for adults looking to gain industry-recognised qualifications and fast-track into employment, this comprehensive programme equips you with the skills, confidence and certifications needed to work as a professional Door Supervisor.
All sessions are delivered in person at Lewisham College.

You will learn through a mix of:

• Interactive classroom lessons

• Practical skills workshops

• Hands-on assessments and demonstrations

Entry requirements

This course is open to adults who are looking to retrain, upskill, or move into a new career. To be eligible, learners must:

• Be 19 years or older before 31 August 2025

• Be receiving JSA, ESA, or Universal Credit

• Be able to commit fully to the timetable and course length

If you meet the criteria, your course fees are fully covered.

Unit breakdown

Across 24 days of classroom learning and practical workshops, you will complete a series of professional qualifications that prepare you for security roles, including:

• NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills

• Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid

• Pearson Level 2 Award in Door Supervision

Upon successful completion, Lewisham College will fund the SIA Door Supervisor Badge.

Assessment Method

You will be assessed through:

• Written coursework

• Multiple-choice examinations

• Practical demonstrations

All units within the programme are mandatory, ensuring you gain industry-ready training and skills.

Progression opportunities
This course is designed to take you directly into employment.

Typical roles include:

• Door Supervisor

• Security Officer

• Event Security Staff

• Corporate or Retail Security Roles

Fees and Finance
If you meet the eligibility criteria, the course is fully funded.

Apply today and start your journey into the security industry with Lewisham College.

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