Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Up until a few years ago, we had a problem that we knew wasn’t unique to us at The City of Liverpool College: many learners of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) were getting stuck when they reached entry level 3 ESOL and then dropping out. Normally, this is the point at which students progress onto vocational programmes. However, these courses do not always provide the right language support or learning environment that ESOL learners need. So, about two years ago we introduced a new suite of ‘ESOL into’ courses designed to break the cycle. They combine ESOL and vocational pathways for our learners who have reached Level 1 ESOL, where they then have the option to join a specific vocational pathway. Following the success of the first year, we now have eight vocational pathways for students to choose from, ranging from Plastering to Art and Design. Working with the local authority We first started to offer vocational taster sessions to ESOL students in 2023. That same year we successfully applied for and received Test and Learn funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as part of the local devolved adult education budget (Adult Skills Fund), helping to make our concept become a reality. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.