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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 runs over 20 days and 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

Key Dates

• Pre-assessment: January 2026
• Start date: February 2026
• End Date: February 2026
• Work Placement: To be confirmed
• Guaranteed job interview: To be confirmed

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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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Lewisham College, in partnership with local care employers, offers the Adult Care Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP). This 6-week programme combines practical training, professional qualifications, and workplace experience to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to begin a career in the care sector.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Complete mandatory sector-specific qualifications
• Gain employability skills and workplace readiness
• Undertake mock interviews and practice tests to enhance your CV and job application skills
• Access a guaranteed job interview with local care employers

Programme Benefits

• Build essential skills in health and social care, including infection prevention, safeguarding, and customer-focused care
• Gain hands-on experience through placements with local care providers
• Develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and professionalism
• Explore career options in the care sector and progress to further study or higher-level roles

Course Units and Qualifications

All units are mandatory:

• NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills – develop professional skills and workplace readiness
• Pearson Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care – foundation knowledge for care roles
• Highfield Level 2 Infection Prevention and Control – essential skills to prevent the spread of infections
• NCFE Level 2 Understand Safeguarding in Care Settings – understanding adult safeguarding and raising concerns

Assessment Methods:

• Written workbook assignments
• Multiple-choice exam

Programme Delivery

• Classroom-based, face-to-face training
• Hands-on workshops and practical activities
• Support with CV building, applications, and interview preparation
• Opportunities to apply learning in real workplace scenarios

Location of Work Experience: Lewisham College, Lewisham Way, London, SE4 1UT and partner care employers in the local area

Key Dates 

• Pre-Assessment: 8 January 2026
• Course Start: 19 January 2026
• Course End: 5 March 2026
• Guaranteed Job Interview: 16 - 18 March 2026

Career Path

Upon completion, learners can pursue entry-level roles in health and social care, such as:

• Care Assistant
• Support Worker
• Home Care Assistant

Completion may also lead to further study or higher-level qualifications in the sector.

Entry Requirements

• Not currently in full-time education
• Lawful UK/EU residency for the last three years
• No prior completion of the requested qualifications
• Able to commit to the course schedule

Eligibility
Applicants 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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This programme is delivered in partnership with a popular bakery chain, 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

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Lewisham College, in partnership with local childcare providers, offers the Early Years Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP). This programme combines hands-on experience with essential training, giving you the skills and confidence to start a rewarding career in early years education.

Why Choose This Programme?

• 3-day work placement to gain real-world experience
• Guaranteed job interview on successful completion
• Level 1 Certificate in Childcare with Employability Skills

This course is designed to help you make a real difference in the first five years of a child’s life. We encourage people of all genders to apply, particularly men, to help diversify the sector workforce.

Programme Benefits

• Practical work placement providing real workplace experience
• Professional training tailored to local employer needs
• Development of key skills in childcare and employability
• Opportunity to positively impact your community
• Understanding child development to support children and families
• Potential for career progression and higher-level roles

Course Units

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

Key Learning Areas

• Childcare Fundamentals: Explore child development and age-appropriate teaching methods
• Employability Skills: Build communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism

Key Dates

• Pre-Assessment: January 2026
• Course Start: February 2026
• Course End: March 2026
• Work Placement: March 2026
• Guaranteed Job Interview: Date to be confirmed

Career Path

After completing the programme, you can pursue entry-level roles in early years education, including:

• Nursery Assistant
• Nanny or Babysitter
• Playgroup Assistant
• Creche Assistant

Completion may also open doors to further study or higher-paying positions in the sector.

Entry Requirements

• No prior academic qualifications required
• Enthusiasm for working with children
• Commitment to professional development

Eligibility
Applicants 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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TfL Activate is a 12-week programme designed for people aged 19+ in receipt of benefits*, with little or no work experience. Combining theory, practical learning, and bespoke TfL training, this programme helps you gain the confidence, skills, and workplace experience needed to progress in your career.

Why Join TfL Activate?

• Complete Business Administration, Customer Service, and Employability qualifications

• Take part in 4 weeks of work experience in customer-facing roles

• Receive tailored TfL training to build practical and technical skills

• Gain insight into job roles and career opportunities within TfL and the wider transport sector

Programme Benefits

• Hands-on work experience in a professional environment

• Development of transferable employability skills, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork

• Exposure to a range of customer service roles and industry practices

• Increased confidence to overcome barriers to employment

• Opportunity to explore career progression within TfL or the transport sector

Placement Area Snapshots

Lost Property (East London)
Provide world-class customer service by managing the lifecycle of lost items across the TfL network. Work involves both front-of-house and behind-the-scenes tasks, including manual handling.

Visitor Centres (Pan London)
Be the first point of contact for millions of visitors, offering advice on tickets, travel, and services to ensure a positive visitor experience.

Customer Contact Centre (East London)
Deliver personalised support via multiple channels, resolving enquiries, complaints, and issues for transport users across London.

Pre-Programme Assessment

Programme recruitment includes a two-stage assessment process:

1. Stage 1: English, IT, and Maths diagnostic tests to confirm readiness for programme qualifications

2. Stage 2: Interactive assessment for successful Stage 1 candidates

Key Dates

• Initial assessment: To be confirmed

Eligibility and ID Requirements

Applicants must be aged 19+ and in receipt of JSA, ESA, or Universal Credit, and able to commit to the full 12-week programme

• They must provide:

  • JCP referral letter or UC payment printout (dated within last 3 months)

  • Valid UK/EU passport OR indefinite leave to remain/recourse to public funds for other passports

  • 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..

Please highlight any reasonable adjustment requirements during referral.

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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.

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