Portland College

Employment Courses

Employability Programme

The world that we live in is constantly evolving, and often we lose track of what we are good at. If you are ready to return to work, but are unsure about what route to take, then this programme is for you.

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Administration and Customer Services

Every business needs administrators our training programme combined with work experience gives you the opportunity to return to work in administration, accounts and customer service using relevant IT programmes.

Specific training includes Microsoft Office and computerised accounting (Sage) leading to skills and recommended ways of working. Study will be combined with suitable ‘live’ work experience within college. You will be encouraged to look at a variety of employment sectors needing administrators but requiring differing specialist skills and aptitudes, e.g organisational skills, working and communicating with people, managing time effectively and many others. Working with our tutors we will build your programme to reflect your chosen goals and support you to organise work placement to match your future employment needs.

Possible jobs may include – Accounts Clerk, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Administrator, Clerical Assistant, Customer Service Advisor and many more!

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Horticulture

Our Horticulture programme offers a unique training facility to study and practice for employment in a variety of jobs. The programme of study includes OCN entry level 3, plus levels 1 and/or 2 in Work Skills for Horticulture qualifications and is available at award, certificate and diploma levels depending upon your commitment and determination to succeed. Your individual programme will include development of personal skills, team working, building a career portfolio, communication for the work place, problem solving and work experience.

Our training facility develops a range of horticultural skills involving the use of rotary and cylinder machinery, border maintenance, planting and pruning techniques, different growing methods (indoors and outdoors), propagation techniques and other landscape gardening skills. The nature of the programme requires working outdoors.

Possible jobs may include – landscape contractors, local authorities, nurseries, special education, supported employment, garden centres, glasshouse work and self employment.

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Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

A training programme ideally suited to those seeking employment as an IT Support Technician, Help Desk Technician or IT Field Technician. All courses provide opportunities to mix hands-on practical experience with simulations of the latest Microsoft operating systems and your programme will be individually tailored to meet your needs, abilities and experience. For more details, contact marketing@portland.ac.uk.

CompTIA A+

This is the recognised industry standard for computer support technicians. This course is designed for competent IT users who wish to develop their technical and support skills. The course duration is up to 10 weeks.

CompTIA Network+

This is the sign of a recognised Networking Professional. This course, which lasts up to 10 weeks, is designed for individuals who have existing desktop support qualifications or experience who wish to pursue a career in computer networking.

Microsoft IT Academy programme

These courses are for those individuals who can demonstrate skills and experience in the support of ICT equipment and wish to expand their skills into Desktop and Network support. Courses include:

Installing and Configuring Windows 7
Troubleshooting and Supporting Windows 7
Windows 7 Desktop Support Technician

The Microsoft IT Academy courses are accredited by Microsoft and, upon completion of a course, learners will receive a Microsoft Academy ‘Certificate of Completion’. The course lasts for up to 8 weeks.

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Computer Aided Design (CAD)

A training programme ideally suited to those with a background in building, construction, fabrication and engineering. You will learn to use the latest releases of the software running on high specification CAD workstations and your programme will be individually tailored to your needs, abilities and background. City & Guilds qualifications will be offered to those learners who reach a suitable standard. For more details, contact marketing@portland.ac.uk.

Two Dimensional Computer Aided Design

This course will enable you to become competent in the use of AutoCAD to produce accurate two-dimensional drawings and diagrams. The duration of this course is up to 16 weeks.

Three Dimensional Computer Aided Design

This course is for those individuals who are already competent in the use of AutoCAD and wish to develop their skills in order to produce three-dimensional surface and solid models. Duration of this course is up to 16 weeks.

Parametric Modelling with Autodesk Inventor

This course will enable you to learn how to develop parts and assemblies of varying complexity from simple sketches. Inventor, like its counterpart Solid Works, is a versatile design application for use in a wide range of industries. This course runs for a duration of up to 14 weeks.

An Introduction to Autodesk Revit

This course will provide you with fundamental knowledge in how to produce three-dimensional parametric building models and create two-dimensional drawings from multiple view points. Ideally you will have a background in the building and construction industry to undertake this course. The course runs for up to 12 weeks.

Possible jobs include: