Upskill Prepares Students for What Comes Next

Upskill at John Leggott College gives Year 1 and Level 2 students dedicated time to develop professional skills, engage with employers and explore their future options.

Built into the college timetable every Wednesday afternoon, Upskill is a four-tiered, structured and curriculum-embedded enrichment programme designed to help students make informed decisions about what comes next.

The programme brings together business, industry and higher education through guest speakers, industry-set projects, skills development workshops and other activities linked to students’ future progression.

For students studying in Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire, this means career and progression preparation is built into their college experience rather than being something they only consider at the end of their studies.

What is Upskill at John Leggott College?

Upskill is a structured enrichment programme delivered to all Year 1 and Level 2 students every Wednesday afternoon.

Students are allocated to an Upskill group that complements their programme of study and provides guidance towards possible future career pathways.

The programme is organised around four key areas:

• Professional interactions, helping students engage with employers, build professional confidence and understand different industries and career pathways.

• Skills development, helping students recognise employability skills and identify skills gaps linked to their career goals.

• Skills application, giving students opportunities to use their skills through employer-led briefs and real-world contexts.

• HE progression interactions, supporting students to explore routes into employment, higher education, universities and apprenticeships.

Together, these areas help students connect what they are learning at college with possible routes beyond JLC.

How does Upskill help students develop professional skills?

Upskill helps students understand and practise key employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

Students have opportunities to respond to industry-style tasks and expectations, helping them understand how skills developed during their studies can be applied in professional situations.

The programme also encourages students to reflect on their development and track their progress. This gives students a structured way to consider what they can already do and where they may need further development.

How do employers contribute to Upskill?

Employers contribute to Upskill by giving students opportunities to engage with the world of work.

Students can hear from guest speakers, work on employer-led briefs and take part in activities designed around industry expectations.

These professional interactions can help students build confidence, gain insight into different industries and understand the skills that employers value.

Employer-led briefs also give students the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world contexts rather than simply learning about employability in theory. John Leggott hosts an emplyer appreciation event that encourages local business to engage with the college, read more about our partnerships on our employer association post. 

How does Upskill support career choices?

Upskill helps students explore potential career options by connecting their interests, skills and qualifications with possible progression routes.

Students are supported to identify suitable career options and explore routes into employment, including university, higher education and apprenticeships.

The programme also encourages informed decision-making by helping students compare different routes, such as apprenticeships and university.

This can be particularly useful for students who know the subject area they enjoy but are still working out how that interest could translate into a future career.

Which Upskill groups are available?

Students are allocated to an Upskill group that complements their programme of study.

The 2026/27 Upskill groups cover:

• Maths and Accounting

• Business

• Law

• Media and IT

• Creative Arts

• English and Languages

• Humanities

• Social Science

• Science and MDV

• Sport and UPS

• Allied Health

• Acting and Conservatoires

The groups are designed to provide guidance towards possible future career pathways that relate to students’ areas of study.

What is a Progression Passport?

The Progression Passport is a personal record that students build throughout their time on Upskill.

It records professional interactions, skills developed and contacts made during the programme. Students are supported by their Progress Tutor to complete their Progression Passport during independent study sessions.

The passport is designed to become a practical resource for students’ future applications. It can be used when preparing UCAS personal statements, apprenticeship applications and job applications.

This means students have a record of the experiences and skills they have developed, rather than having to remember them when they begin writing applications.

Why is Upskill part of the JLC timetable?

Upskill is built into the timetable every Wednesday afternoon, giving students dedicated time for progression and employability activities.

This structure means students can regularly engage with employers, industry and higher education while continuing with their academic or vocational studies.

Across the programme, students are encouraged to develop skills, apply them, reflect on their progress and consider how their experiences connect with their future plans.

For the 2026/27 academic year, Upskill is helping JLC students prepare for the different opportunities that may follow college, whether that means university, an apprenticeship or employment.

Upskill: real skills. Real employers. Real preparation for what comes next.

FAQ Section

What is Upskill at John Leggott College?

Upskill is a four-tiered enrichment programme for all Year 1 and Level 2 students, delivered every Wednesday afternoon alongside their timetable.

Who takes part in Upskill?

All Year 1 and Level 2 students take part in the Upskill programme and are allocated to a group complementary to their programme of study.

What skills does Upskill develop?

Upskill supports the development of employability skills including teamwork, communication and problem-solving, alongside professional confidence, self-reflection and targeted skills development.

What is a Progression Passport?

A Progression Passport is a personal record of students’ professional interactions, skills developed and contacts made through Upskill. It can support UCAS personal statements, apprenticeship applications and job applications.

Does Upskill include employer engagement?

Yes. Students can take part in employer interactions, guest speaker sessions and employer-led briefs designed to provide insight into industries and give students opportunities to apply skills in real-world contexts.