Innovate Dorset

Services

PROJECTS


Our Innovate Projects foster teamwork and innovation. Cultivating a collaborative environment for young people to create impactful solutions, including Post-16 activities and targeted one-on-one work.

SERVICES YOU CAN RELY ON

Projects


Our mentoring services ignite potential through personalised guidance and transformative support, so individuals can achieve their goals.

Duke of Edinburgh Award


Within our small group tutoring sessions, we inspire collaboration and growth. Empowering young people to achieve academic success together. 

Post 16+


Our Innovate 'Projects' foster teamwork and innovation. Cultivating a collaborative environment for young people to create impactful solutions, including Post-16 activities and targeted one-on-one work.

Exam Centre


At our exam centre, your student’s comfort is our top priority. Our supportive staff’s approach provides the optimal environment for young people to sit their Functional Skills examinations.

Registered Duke of Edinburgh Centre

 

At Innovate Dorset, we are proud to be a registered Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Centre, offering a comprehensive and supportive environment for young people pursuing their Bronze DofE Award. As an accredited centre, we provide the structure and guidance necessary for students to undertake their Duke of Edinburgh programme with confidence.


We understand that completing the full Duke of Edinburgh Award can be a significant commitment. To accommodate varying circumstances, we offer sectional certificates for each component of the award. This allows young people to achieve recognition in individual areas—such as Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition—even if they are unable to complete the full award while at Innovate Dorset.


Our centre is equipped with all the necessary gear and resources to support participants in their DofE activities. From outdoor equipment for expeditions to materials for skills development, we ensure that students have access to high-quality resources.


To further support our students, we offer funded registration for the Duke of Edinburgh Award for those eligible. This initiative helps remove financial barriers, making the program more accessible to all young people.

 

At Innovate Dorset, we are committed to providing a flexible, supportive, and well-resourced environment for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, helping young people achieve their personal development goals and gain valuable skills for their future.


Post-16 Provision:

Preparing for Life Beyond Education


At Innovate Dorset, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom, especially for post-16 learners. We understand that young people need more than just academic qualifications to thrive in today’s world. That’s why our tailored post-16 programme focuses on providing students with the essential life skills, career preparation, and personal development tools they need to succeed in adulthood.

Our holistic approach ensures that learners leave us with not only qualifications but also the confidence, knowledge, and experience to navigate their future, whatever pathway they choose.


Career Preparation and Pathways: We place a strong emphasis on preparing our students for the world of work. From the moment they join our post-16 programme, we help them explore different career pathways, offering them practical experience and insight into various industries.


Job Fairs and College Open Days: We regularly organise visits to job fairs and college open days, giving students the chance to meet employers, apprenticeship providers, and further education institutions. These experiences help them make informed decisions about their next steps, whether that’s higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce.


Careers Advice and Guidance: Our team work closely with each student to provide one-to-one advice, helping them understand their strengths, set achievable goals, and map out a personalised career path alongside CV writing workshops.

Independent Living Skills: Preparing our students for independence is one of the most valuable aspects of our post-16 provision. We focus on practical skills that will help them thrive as adults, including:

Banking and Financial Management: We teach students how to open a bank account, manage their money, and budget effectively. Understanding how to handle finances is crucial as they move towards greater independence.


Driving Theory and Practical Lessons: For many young people, learning to drive is an important step towards independence. We offer support with both the driving theory test and what will happen during practical lessons to give our students the best chance of passing and gaining the freedom that driving offers.


ID Cards and Personal Documentation: We assist students in obtaining essential documents such as ID cards, which are vital for accessing services, employment, and further education.


Staying Safe Online: In a digital age, it’s essential that young people understand how to protect themselves online. Our sessions cover topics like social media safety, cyberbullying, and how to recognise and avoid online scams.


Equality, Diversity, and Community Engagement: We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusion. Our equality and diversity workshops encourage students to appreciate different perspectives, challenge prejudice, and celebrate diversity.

As part of this, we engage students in community activities, helping them develop a sense of social responsibility. Volunteering opportunities and projects with local organisations not only build skills but also help students understand the value of giving back to their community.


Independent Living and Wellbeing:

To ensure our students are fully prepared for life beyond education, we offer a comprehensive independent living programme that covers:


Health and Wellbeing: From cooking and nutrition to managing mental health, our sessions focus on equipping students with the tools they need to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.


Housing and Accommodation: For those considering moving out, we provide advice on renting, tenancy agreements, and the rights and responsibilities of being a tenant.

A Bright Future Ahead


At Innovate Dorset, we understand that each student is unique, and their post-16 journey should be too. Our goal is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that enables all young people to reach their full potential.


With our focus on career pathways, personal development, and essential life skills, we ensure that our students are fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether they choose further education, training, or employment, we give them the tools they need to succeed and the confidence to take their next steps with pride.