FAQs
How long does it take to complete the course?
The duration of each course depends on the programme, occupational area, and level of study you are undertaking. You will be able to find this information within the applicable course page for each qualification. If for any reason you cannot find it, then then please contact the People 1st team member, named as the course contact, and they will be happy to explain the specific timings for each course.
How do I upload my documents to you?
We use an on-line e-portfolio system or Google Drive to upload necessary documents directly to our team. Full instructions nohow to do this will be provided at the beginning of each course, by each individual tutor.
Do you offer essential skills training?
We offer Essential Skills in English (Communication) or Maths (Application of Number) at both Level 1 & Level 2 at all of our centres via ‘clinics’. These are scheduled workshops, usually fortnightly, which are facilitated by a qualified tutor, and are delivered either face to face or via Zoom, in small groups. Participants are required to undertake an initial assessment to ascertain their current skill level. We then agree and implement an individual action plan to meet the gaps. The tutor will support you throughout the process and you will work towards an exam. The length of the course is determined by your current skill level but as a guide, the total recommended hours of study for each level is 45.
How do I pay for my course?
We offer payment by card, cash, bank transfer or also direct debit options for courses over a certain amount. Our accounts team are based in our Head Office in Belfast and they will be able to help arrange this with you, so please call them during office hours on 02890 669 669. We also offer payment plans to those who are interested- see the payment plan FAQ below to find out more.
If I need to put my training on hold, can I re-join?
We will do our upmost to accommodate any learner who needs to pause their learning, but this is largely dependent on the specific programme/qualification you are following. We usually offer a range of start dates for each programme throughout the calendar year, so our team can help advise you.
When do courses start
Most of our courses run on a continual basis throughout the calendar year. We recommend asking the team member responsible for your course, so they can explain what date options are available. Some courses such as our school leavers course, Skills for Life and Work, start at the beginning of the academic year- but we always try to accommodate anyone who may want to join at a later date, so please contact us to see if we can help.
What support will I receive during my course?
The People 1st team is always on hand to support you on your learning journey with us. If you are enrolled on our Skills for Life and Work or ApprenticeshipsNI programmes, then you will have a dedicated Support Officer or Career Mentor, who will meet with you periodically. This is to help ensure you get the right support tailored to your needs, as our main aim is helping you achieve your learning goals. We will allocate each student a tutor and assessor specifically trained in the qualification area you are following and they will assist you with any queries you may have and provide guidance on work that needs submitted. They will also liaise with you regularly during the course workshops and depending on your area of study, may visit you in your place of work. We find that the People 1st team play a vitally important role in supporting you throughout your time with us and it is one of the things we are so proud of and regularly get incredible feedback about.
When will I get my certificate?
As an established training company, People 1st holds Direct Claims Status with all Awarding Bodies that we offer qualifications with. This allows for quicker processing and means your certificate will be applied for and sent to you very soon after completion of your course.
What device(s) do I need to enrol on a course?
To access remote training session, e.g. those delivered via Zoom you will need a laptop or PC. Mobile phones are not conducive for these sessions. If you are following an accredited programme/qualification, then you may need a PC/laptop to access the on-line portfolio system to submit assignments and upload work. Your course tutor or People 1st team member will be able to explain what is needed for your course.
Do you offer on-site delivery at other locations?
We are very happy to speak to you if you would prefer a course to be held on-site, within your premises, so please contact our team. This option can normally be facilitated for groups of individuals from the same organisation that are undertaking a qualification/programme of training. On -site training can also be delivered by Assessors for work-based qualifications, depending on the occupational area of study. Our team will be happy to talk you over the options if this is something you would like to inquire about, please fill in a contact form or email the team at [email protected]
How are your courses delivered? (i.e face to face/online)
Our vocational courses are normally delivered face to face within our premises. For other programmes/courses candidates are usually required to attend master classes which focus on best practice in relation to their chosen occupational area/topic. These are held face to face or remotely via Zoom, depending on the programme of study. Frequency of workshops can be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly depending on the occupational area and level of accreditation. If students are undertaking a QCF work based qualification, then they will also be allocated an assessor who supports them on a one-to-one basis, to enable you to focus on areas of development and to achieve the award.
Do you offer payment plans?
We are happy to facilitate a monthly payment plan, for self-funding candidates, to allow you to spread the cost of the course over the duration of the programme. We require a £100 deposit to secure a place and once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up a direct debit with their bank.
