Our Level 1 Award in Workers’ Rights and Labour Exploitation, developed in partnership with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), has been making waves across the sector since its launch in September 2021. Colleges, employers and training providers across the UK have been educating themselves and their learners about their rights within the workplace and how to spot the common signs of exploitation.

With the addition of valuable digital resources to support the delivery of the qualification, such as a podcast and six-part video series, as well as the option to deliver this qualification either online or within a classroom, there’s no better time to add this to your provision.

An invaluable addition to employability and/or study programmes

If your learners are taking part in Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), Skills Bootcamps, or traineeships, this qualification can provide the skills and knowledge needed to safely transition into the world of work. For example, it could fit in as part of the enrichment portion of study programmes, broadening learners’ life skills and preparing them for the world of work. It could also be appropriate for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or non-native English speakers, who might become vulnerable to exploitation.

Can help with requirements for evidence in Ofsted inspections

Adding this qualification to your provision may help you provide evidence of activity towards the following aspects of the Ofsted framework:

• Impact – All learning builds towards an end point. Learners are being prepared for the next stage of education, training, or employment at each stage of their learning.
• Personal Development – The quality of careers information, education, advice, and guidance, and how well these benefit learners in choosing and deciding on their next steps.
• Safeguarding – Identify children and learners who may need early help, and who are at risk of harm, or have been harmed. This can include, but is not limited to, neglect, abuse (including by their peers), grooming or exploitation.

This qualification will show both diversity and quality in education programmes, but also demonstrate safeguarding for apprentices and SEND learners.

Helps to raise awareness among learners looking for work in high-risk sectors

Where your organisation is based within the UK may influence the choice of employment available to your learners and which study path they decide to start on. There are several sectors across the UK labour market at higher risk of labour exploitation; these include but are not limited to: agriculture, construction, food services and textiles. This qualification will help raise awareness of the types of exploitation that may be prevalent within these sectors and how to effectively report signs of exploitation in the workplace.

This qualification was launched following an initial pilot phase last year. The findings of this pilot have since been published in an evaluation report, which you can read here.

You can check out our six-part mini-series on our YouTube channel here.

If you are a college or training provider and would like to find out more about delivering this important qualification, please contact our Relationship Managers.