There are opportunities within and outside H&F to develop your learning and experiences. These are outlined below.
Further education courses and funding
Further education includes any study after secondary education that's not part of higher education, so not an undergraduate or graduate degree.
There are different types of qualifications for 16 to 19 year olds.
Courses range from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). Many courses are free but where there is a cost, you may be able to get financial help.
See Further education courses and funding on GOV.UK
Develop the skills and confidence you need to find a job or start a business through The King's Trust
The King's Trust (formally Prince's Trust) provides Free support to young people aged 16 to 30 who are unemployed or require support to transform their lives.
With the King's Trust you can:
- Join a programme to build your confidence, skills and explore your interests
- Get support with your CV and interview techniques
- Get a job with a top employer that is ready to hire fresh talent
- Develop the skills and knowledge to launch your own business
See the Kings Trust website
Access courses through H&F Adult Learning and Skills Service
The H&F Adult Learning and Skills Service (HFALS) offers a wide range of courses to residents aged 19 plus.
Through HAFALS you can:
- develop new skills
- gain a qualification
- further your career
- improve your mental health and wellbeing
Dedicated courses are available to those with learning difficulties and disabilities. HAFALS aims to support learners with SEND to develop and progress into higher level courses, work opportunities, supported employment and have an active life in the community.
A full list of courses can be found in the course search on the HAFALS website
Please note, costs usually apply to access courses. However, concessions may be available.
When courses start and when to apply
Most courses start in September (autumn term), January (spring term) and April (summer term). You can enrol at any time of the year for many courses, even if they have already started, if there are places available and the level is right for you.
However, we recommend enrolling as early as possible as popular classes fill up very quickly.
Email alssinfo@lbhf.gov.uk or telephone 0208 753 3600
See the HFALS website
'Earn While You Learn' council apprenticeships
'Earn While You Learn' apprenticeships allows you to work for the council for 12 months or longer, in a sector that you are interested in.
You will be able to:
- earn a salary
- access training and development opportunities
It is available to you if you are:
- a Hammersmith & Fulham resident
- aged 16 plus
- have the right to work in the UK and have held this status for the past 3 years.
An apprenticeship can be for you if you are starting out on your work life journey at the age of 16 after GCSE or if you are looking for a change of career. There is no age limit on an apprenticeship.
Most of our apprenticeships do not need qualifications to apply. However, some apprenticeships may require you to have previous qualifications which will be stated in the advert and job description.
We recruit as much for attitude as we do skills and experience.
To apply for a council apprenticeship please visit our Apprenticeships webpage
You can also search for apprenticeships on GOV.UK
Volunteering
People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. For others, it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. Regardless of the motivation, what unites them all is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.
Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre can help you find a volunteering opportunity in sectors such as:
- retail
- office-based
- sports
- gardening.
Email enquires@hfvc.org.uk or telephone 020 8741 9876
Contact us for information on apprenticeships, training, volunteering and jobs
If you are a H&F resident aged 16 plus, you can access advice and support from H&F works.
Email hf.works@lbhf.gov.uk or telephone 020 8753 1800.
See H&F Works
Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) scheme to build your skills and experiences
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a programme of activities, that allows young people aged 14 to 24 to develop a range of skills, build confidence and serve their communities.
You will work towards achieving a bronze, silver or gold award where you can:
- pick the activities that interests you
- choose which cause to volunteer for
There are four main sections of a DofE Award that you will need to complete.
These are:
- Physical: where you choose any sport, dance, fitness activity
- Skills: where you develop a new skill
- Volunteering: where you can help people in the community
- Expedition: where you choose a mode of travel to complete a journey
There is a fifth section for those achieving a gold award. This is residential: where you undertake an activity with people you don't know in an unfamiliar environment.
Participants must show commitment throughout the programme.
To get involved, see the Duke of Edinburgh's Award website
Please note, there may be a cost to access this scheme.
Opportunities to turn your ideas into a reality whilst studying
The H&F Upstream Pathway Bond provides a broad menu of opportunities for young people to develop their interests and turn their ideas into a reality.
This is done through:
- workshops
- mentoring
- insights
- training and awareness
- activities
Provided by local businesses, young people can access this through their school, college or university. If you are interested in this opportunity, please speak with your education provider about this.
For more information you can Watch our YouTube video on Upstream London: Giving our young people the best opportunities