Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) Foundation Learning & Learning for Life and Work students raised £2000 for their community garden and local charity shops via their “New to You” shop located at the Taunton campus.

Learning for Life and Work students engage with a varied curriculum with the intention to further develop their life, independence, and employability skills.

The course aims to support young people to develop self-confidence, improve social communication, and provide individuals with work related options ranging from group enterprise projects to individual work experience placements.

One such enterprise project was a “New to You” shop, which sold a range of products from clothing and haberdashery to board games and ornamental goods.

The “New to You” shop was set up to give students with special educational needs an opportunity to further develop their independence, confidence, social and communication skills, and employability prospects in a safe and nurturing environment.

The students have been able to develop the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for work within their local area, and many have the high aspiration of employment and engagement in the community.

The project brief outlined several key tasks to be achieved over the period, including:

• Practicing speaking and listening through interacting with customers and team mates
• Serve customers with good eye contact, and speaking at an appropriate level
• Handle and recognise a range of coins and notes, and be able to calculate the correct change needed

The money raised will support a community garden, and several donations have been made to RAFT, a refugee charity, and ARC, who help the homeless of Taunton.

Ali Stokes, Course Leader, said,

Students who took part in this experience are now better equipped to work as a valued member of a team, communicate effectively and professionally with others, and have the confidence to complete tasks, take risks and ask for help if they’re unsure.

As a team we are so proud of the outcomes these students have reached, and hope to continue with this enterprise project in the future!

The benefit to our students has been outstanding and so meaningful, so thank you to everyone who supported.

Several keen shoppers shared their experience with the project, providing their thanks and support:

Fantastic job raising £2000! Congratulations to everyone for all their hard work – what a way to make a positive difference in the world!

Thank you for this incredible shop which has served so many purposes recently – let’s hope it returns again!

It has been such an amazing experience for the students, and has taught them so many important life skills. I feel so proud to play a small part in creating this opportunity for our learners to make steps toward employability and prepare for life in the community. I feel passionate about the amazing progress our learners have made due to their time working in the shop – a true focus on what outstanding looks like to me!

For more information about our Foundation Learning course offerings and facilities, please visit www.btc.ac.uk, call Information & Guidance on 01278 441234, or come to one of our events.