A fresh alternative to traditional post-16 education is arriving in Derby, offering young people a personalised, fully-funded route to build their confidence, gain qualifications and unlock pathways to employment or college.
A brand-new education initiative – which is also creating eight more job roles – is launching in the heart of Derby this September, specifically designed to help young people bridge the gap between school and their next big step.
The Derby Study Programme, based at a centre on Babington Lane, offers a practical, supportive environment for those who feel that jumping straight into a college campus or a traditional academic route after school isn’t the right fit.
The programme is delivered by WS Training in partnership with Derbyshire-based Workpays, which also has sites across the Midlands. Both providers are part of BrightPeak, an education and training group that also includes Orangebox Training Solutions.
Together, they are shifting focus toward nurturing local, young talent and preparing them for long-term success – whether that means heading straight into the workforce or preparing for further education.
To ensure the programme is accessible to everyone, it is fully funded by the Department for Education (DfE) through the Study Programme funding and operates in connection with the Local Authority, meaning families and learners face no financial barriers.
Targeting young people aged 16 to 19 – and up to age 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) – the programme runs for one full academic year on a term-time-only basis.
It provides an intimate, personalised learning environment with small class sizes capped at just 12 learners per group.
Chloe Barnett, Head of Education at WS Training, believes the programme fills a crucial gap for young people in the region.
She said: “At WS Training, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to succeed in adult life.
“Our Derby centre will provide a supportive and engaging learning environment where learners can achieve recognised qualifications, gain valuable employability skills and take positive next steps towards their future careers.”
The Derby hub aims to replicate the highly successful model WS Training has already established across the Suffolk and Norfolk areas.
With thriving centres in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Haverhill, the organisation has a proven track record of supporting young people who benefit from a more close-knit learning environment.
During the year-long course, learners will work toward essential qualifications in vocational studies and personal progress, alongside vital English and Maths qualifications.
The programme embeds real-world work experience into the curriculum, giving students a first-hand understanding of what modern employers look for.
Completing the programme gives students the foundation and qualifications they need to confidently transition into employment, an apprenticeship or further education.
Chloe said: “Our centre offers a supportive learning environment where young people can feel safe, comfortable and confident to learn. We recognise that everyone learns differently, so we create opportunities for each learner to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to achieve their future goals.
“We are also dedicated to helping vulnerable young people who may have faced barriers to learning. By the end of the year, you will feel completely confident taking that next step – whether that means stepping directly into a job, starting an apprenticeship, or heading off to college with a stronger foundation.”
To support the launch and ensure students receive close guidance, BrightPeak is currently recruiting for several key roles at the Derby site.
The organisation is hiring two study programme tutors, one learner support assistant and one teaching assistant along with a student support adviser, a placement/careers adviser and an administrator.
Upon completion of the fully-funded programme, equipped learners will give Derby’s economy a direct influx of confident, work-ready young talent.
*Young people, parents or guardians who want to learn more about this alternative route can register their interest by visiting www.wstraining.co.uk/derby-study-programme.
