Supporting our learners to progress into and within work is at the heart of our offer as a College. Not only do we embed employability and personal development skills support in our accredited courses, we also work with agencies such as Job Centre Plus and other employment support services to provide bespoke support.
These courses are designed to support your transition into work or progression within work. Typically designed alongside employers, these courses will provide you with skills development and work experience opportunities that will enhance your job prospects.
Our offer to you:
- Courses to develop your employment prospects and confidence;
- Facilities and use of ICT to search and apply for jobs
- Additional learning support
Preparing for Employment
This course is designed to boost learners’ confidence and equip them with essential skills for entering the workforce. The program is uniquely structured to provide hands-on experience both within the college café and externally. All sessions will take place at Cedar Court’s professional kitchen, the Council’s shelter housing.
Starting:
- From 18th September 2026 to 11th December 2026
- From 15th January 2027 to 19th March 2027
- From 23rd April 2027 to 9th July 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Skills for Employment in Hospitality Level 1 and 2
This course is designed to prepare learners to work in the Hospitality sector including Customer services and Food Safety. All classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue.
Starting:
- From 21st September 2026 to 6th October 2026
- From 22nd February 2027 to 9th March 2027
- From 10th May 2027 to 25th May 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
CV Writing and Interview Skills Workshop
This one week workshop is a short intensive course designed to empower participants with the skills to create compelling resumes and strategically plan their career pathways. All classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue.
Starting:
- From 12th October 2026 to 15th October 2026
- From 14th October 2026 to 22nd October 2026
- From 15th March 2027 to 25th March 2027
- From 17th March 2027 to 25th March 2027
- From 7th June 2027 to 17th June 2027
- From 9th June 2027 to 17th June 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required.
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Skills for Employment in Business and Retail
This 3-week course is designed to prepare learners to work in the Hospitality sector including Customer services and Food Safety. All classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue.
Starting:
- From 23rd September 2026 to 8th October 2026
- From 24th February 2027 to 11th March 2027
- From 12th May 2027 to 27th May 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required.
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012 .
Next Step into Employment Workshop
This is a short intensive course designed to empower participants with the skills to create compelling resumes and strategically plan their career pathways. All classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue.
Starting:
- From 9th September 2026 to 24th November 2026
- From 11th January 2027 to 8th February 2027
- From 21st June 2027 to 6th July 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required.
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012 .
Supported Learning for Employment in Hospitality
The primary purpose of these qualifications is to enable learners to operate independently and effectively in life, learning and work. They are not designed to lead to a specific job role but to support personal progress and possibly help learners to enter supported employment.
This course is open to all who require additional support, such as language barriers. All classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue, and parking is available.
Starting:
- From 14th September 2026 to 23rd November 2026
- From 18th September 2026 to 27th November 2026
- From 4th January 2027 to 15th March 2027
- From 8th January 2027 to 19th March 2027
- From 12th April 2027 to 28th June 2027
- From 16th April 2027 to 25th June 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required.
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012 .
To find out more about our apprenticeships in Hospitality visit Our apprenticeships
