SEND Learning and Employability

Achieve and Thrive at our Learning Hubs in Wythenshawe, Ardwick and Moss Side

“The experience of students is overwhelmingly positive. In particular, this is expressed as different and better than their previous experiences in education and training because there is an understanding of their personal needs. The programme environment, relationships with staff and pace of learning are common success factors quoted by students.”
-PML External Evaluation

Manchester Young Lives Learning Hubs are holistic; we understand that feeling safe, developing confidence and life skills is every bit as valuable as the Maths and English qualifications we enable young people to achieve. We deliver employability education programmes in Wythenshawe, Ardwick and Moss Side for young people aged 16-24 with Education Health Care Plans. Our qualified teachers, tutors and youth workers lead engaging learning in small groups, alongside opportunities for work placements and volunteering. Our flexible nurturing approach means young people succeed in achieving their ambitions.

“The programme has helped me in ways my previous college didn’t. The staff are really supportive and understand my needs. The staff make me happy and help me believe in myself, I feel like I can communicate with them. If I did not join the programme, I do not think I would have found somewhere to do my Functional Skills.”

Our Teams build trusting relationships with students and create tailored learning programmes led by young people’s interests, strengths and goals. These alternative education pathways include NCFE accredited qualifications up to Level 2 in functional Maths and English, Employability, Health and Social Care, and Employability. These run alongside creative and vocational learning such as horticulture and cookery, trips and industry visits, sports and exercise and travel training, building life and social skills, independence and wellbeing.

“The support and help from the team is fantastic. They are so caring but firm and the guidance they have given to my daughter has been fantastic.”

Developing the skills and experience to gain and thrive in employment is central to the Learning Hubs. Work experience placements and volunteering roles enable learners to build their confidence and develop direct and transferable skills and experience that will help them to secure a job. The social interaction and pride in their contribution can also enhance wellbeing and hopes for the future. Young people can try out different careers and see what works for them, and build the vital experience and skills many employers are looking for.

“The placement has been amazing it’s helped me hone skills, and I’ve learned a lot… My available knowledge has increased in all aspects, e.g, using tools and skills for the trade. I’ve enjoyed working on projects with people and solving some problems as they pop up.”

For some young people, getting their mental health back on track is a vital first step towards adulthood and work. We have a full time Mental Heath Practitioner, employed by Mind, based in our Learning Hubs. They support young people to understand themselves and find ways that work for them to improve their mental and emotional well-being. We have fantastic outside space at all of our Centres, with opportunities for gardening and taking time out on a swing. We have a Gym and Sensory Room to support students in Ardwick, enabling exercise and space to feel calm and ready to learn. In Moss Side we have a ‘Home’ Room for learning life skills, and a large recently refitted kitchen in Wythenshawe for the much loved food tech sessions.

“I like the programme because I enjoy doing the travel training and the food tech sessions. I like how the tutors help you instead of letting you sit there not knowing what you’re doing. Since I have been on the programme my maths and English has progressed – I am now working at level one.”

Success Stories

MYL has consistently achieved high success rates with the young people we work with, enabling them to achieve employment or go on to further specialist study.

MYL believe it is important to provide bespoke and high-quality teaching and support to enable the young people of Manchester to obtain an education, life and work skills to go on fulfil their potential. All young people receive a significant pastoral support whether it’s to access independent living, learn to budget, managing relationships, or health and wellbeing. This increases self-esteem and confidence which further supports development in personal, social and employability skills outcomes.