Free BSL courses starting in September
From September 2024, the Royal Association for Deaf people, in partnership with Pro-Training Solutions, are launching two significant initiatives: BSL Level 1 and Level 2 courses, and the BSL Tutor Development programme.
The BSL Level 1 and 2 courses are aimed at:
- Parents and carers of deaf children and/or young people
- Deaf people who cannot access spoken language because of their deafness and would benefit from learning BSL
- Deaf people where BSL is their first or preferred language
- Hearing people who are unemployed or on a low income, so self-funding courses is a financial barrier
The BSL Tutor development programme is aimed at:
- Deaf people with a passion to become tutors but who do not hold the required language proficiency qualifications (BSL Levels 1 and 2) or Adult Education Training (Level 3). This course aims to give prospective tutors the opportunity to achieve their BSL 1, BSL 2 and AET level 3, as well as support to understand being self employed, developing quality resources and much more.
In order to meet the criteria for free funding for these courses, learners must be living in London. We are working with our partners to secure funding in other areas and will release more courses in other geographical areas as soon as we can.
Visit the website for further information.
Read the press release
Press release
The Royal Association for Deaf people and Professional Training solutions announce partnership to accelerate the advancement of deaf people and enhance access to high quality BSL training
The Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) and Professional Training Solutions (Pro-train/PTS) announce their partnership to accelerate the advancement of deaf people. This collaboration aims to enhance access to high quality BSL training and the development of highly skilled BSL tutors, ensuring that future BSL learners receive the best possible education and support.
“In partnership with Professional Training Solutions, we are creating an opportunity for the deaf community to access high-quality training and development programmes. In addition, we are committed to the provision of high quality BSL courses to parents/carers of deaf people and for those communities where the cost of accredited BSL training is not accessible to them,” says Mark Wheatley, CEO of the Royal Association for Deaf people. “This partnership is an important step towards making sure that deaf people have the resources and support they need to succeed in their professional and personal lives”.
“We are delighted to be working with RAD, to open up opportunities in Apprenticeships and government funded training, including BSL, to the deaf community, their families and their carers” says Jackie Denyer, Founder and Managing Director at Professional Training Solutions. “Our commitment to inclusion and ensuring every person realises their true potential is reflected in the work that we will be doing through this partnership, and we are so excited about where this can lead as we champion with RAD the training opportunities for the deaf community”.
Overview
Deaf people often are not able to access the same opportunities due to lack of access or measures put in place. RAD and PTS’ partnership will provide deaf people with a wide range of opportunities to fast-track learning, development and qualifications, enabling them to excel. This partnership will also provide the opportunity for more people to learn BSL, improving access for the deaf community and providing BSL training to families.
Who we are
RAD are one of the oldest deaf charities, who work directly with deaf people to provide a wide range of services to support deaf people to live independently, with equal access to information and opportunities. They are a deaf-lead charity. PTS are a leading training provider across a range of sectors.
Background
RAD and PTS’ relationship began in 2023, when PTS piloted a project to deliver the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care to carers who are deaf. The organisations worked closely together, enabling PTS to provide significant support so their learners could work in their first or preferred language with interpreters. Andree Iland, a RAD employee, undertook this training, becoming a rising star who consequently was nominated for the NCFE learner of the year. Andree, who is deaf herself, currently works as a Support Worker for RAD, supporting deaf people with additional support requirements. Andree’s training provided her with tools and resources to provide better care to those she works with, and she immediately saw the impact on her professional development, how she approached her job, and the impact it had on those she supports. As the result of the success of Andree’s experience, the companies decided to embark upon a long-lasting partnership which will expand the offer to the wider deaf community.
About the partnership – 2024 and beyond
The partnership launches in July 2024 with several pilots (and dependent on the government funding). The following courses will be free to learners,
• BSL courses for parents and carers of deaf people who live in London
• BSL courses for deaf people who live in London, but we hope extend to the home counties in the autumn.
• BSL tutor development programme for deaf people who live in London
• BSL courses for hearing people who are unemployed or on a low income
• Adult Care Courses for those working in health and social care.
• Team Leading courses for those wishing to undertake roles as a supervisor or team leader.
Further courses, including remote and distance learning, will be announced later in the year as we continue to access more funding. For more information about courses, please contact [email protected]
More information about the Royal Association for Deaf people
Founded in 1841, RAD are one of the oldest charities working with deaf people in the UK. Celebrating deaf culture and community is an essential part of what they do. With deaf people, and in collaboration with others, RAD innovate and deliver services that deaf people want and need. Their vision is to create a future of opportunity, achievement and equality for deaf people.
RAD provides a wide range of services to support deaf people to live independently, with equal access to information and opportunities. They deliver award winning Deaf Awareness training, accredited BSL courses and bespoke Consultancy services for individuals and organisations who wish to ensure they are accessible to deaf people.
Website: https://royaldeaf.org.uk/
For all RAD press enquiries, please email [email protected] or call 0300 688 2525.
More information about Professional Training Solutions
Founded in 2006 by a group of Directors with significant experience in government funding and training, Professional Training Solutions has continued to grow and develop and now is a leading training provider across a range of sectors, including Care, Early Years, Business and Maths English. They have are an NCFE, TQUK, Highfield and Qualsafe accredited centre delivering a range of qualifications. Their latest OFSTED in April 2024 resulted in a GOOD grade and reflected the amazing work they are doing to increase opportunities to access training for the deaf community.
