Student Services
Whether you need advice about money, transport, your course or general advice and guidance, our team of trained Student Services staff are available to help.
Whatever your enquiry, we will do our best to make your time with us both happy and successful. Find out more about how Student Services can help you, simply drop in to the Skelmersdale Campus. Advice and guidance services are also available at the West Lancashire Construction Academy.
Careers
There are careers libraries containing comprehensive careers literature at the Skelmersdale Campus. All students are welcome to use the careers libraries which offer access to:
• vocational guidance
• computer packages
• careers specific literature
• Higher Education prospectuses
• company literature
• job hunting information.
For more details about careers resources, please call into Student Services.
Higher Education
If you are thinking of applying for Higher Education, help and guidance is available from Progression Coaches. There will be a programme of events, including sessions on how to apply and completing personal statements, published in September via the Student Bulletin and Notice boards. All prospectuses are available in careers libraries where there is also access to University Websites. Financial advice and guidance is available from our Student Welfare & Guidance Officer.
Nursery Provision
College Nurseries offer, children aged 4 months – 4 years 11 months, a safe, stimulating learning environment. Nurseries follow the birth to five framework and are Ofsted registered.
As part of the colleges Equality and Diversity Policy, nursery staff endeavour to ensure equal opportunities in play and learning for your child. The nursery staff also operate a policy of reinforcing positive behaviour and operate within Lancashire Child Protection Procedures.
The brand new nursery is located at our Skelmersdale Campus (01695 52319/52487). It will be open each weekday from 8.45am to 5pm, (this may vary according to student time-table requirements). Although the nurseries charge fees, many students can get help with their childcare costs. Parents (and children) interested in using the nursery are encouraged to arrange a visit.
Sexual Health Outreach Service
A sexual health outreach service is available at the Skelmersdale Campus offering a confidential contraceptive service to students.
The drop-in service is for young people aged 25 and under, and is run by NHS Central Lancashire. Sessions are held in the sports complex first aid room on Tuesdays 9.30am to12.30pm and Fridays 10am to 2pm. No appointment is necessary and services include: Sexual health advice,
Contraceptive pill (new and repeat), Long acting reversible contraception (LARC) – implant fitting,
Pregnancy testing, Pregnancy options/advice, Chlamydia screening – recommended once a year or after unprotected sex or change of sexual partner. For further details please contact Student Services on 01695 52393.
Exam & Registration Fees
Exam and registration fees affect a large percentage of students studying at the college. The college covers exam and registration fees for all students aged 16-18 following any mode of study.
Students aged 19+ need to be aware that they will be liable for exam and registration fees. These costs vary according to examination board and course level. For further details please contact the Examinations Officer on (01695) 52355; your Progression Coach; or Student Services Staff.
Learner Support Fund
The Learner Support Fund is a government initiative to help students stay in college. The fund assists with the purchase of essential equipment, travel, childcare and many other essential student costs. There are a number of requirements to be eligible for support, for example, means testing. For further details, or if you are experiencing any financial hardship whilst at college, please call into Student Services. Any payments will be based on attendance and achievement. Payments are generally paid into a bank account. If you need information about opening a bank account please speak to Student Services staff.
Travel
Reduced fares on Arriva buses
Students who study for more than 10 hours per week can apply for an Arriva pass – (you don’t even need to use Arriva buses to come to college).
- Unlimited use – an time of day (except night buses)
- Issued half termly
Take advantage of being a student at West Lancashire College. You only need proof of enrolment, a passport sized photo and the fee. Call into Student Services for the pass or more information.
Student Services is open 8.45am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Advice and guidance services are also available at the West Lancashire Construction Academy.
For information, advice and guidance please telephone (01695) 52393.