[New] EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AND WORK EXPERIENCE: creating employees of the future

There are many benefits to embarking on a relationship with STCG (South Thames Colleges Group), including:

• E xtra Resource – Work experience students can help to support current staff in tasks

• New Expertise – Our students can provide your company with up-to-date expertise. For example, you may be going through a company re-brand and need a graphic designer

You can offer student placements from as little as one week, or up to 45 days for those students studying the new T Levels. The length of time is dependent on the sector you are in, what the student is studying and the skills you will find useful. If you are not sure where to start, contact our work experience team. We can help you decide what you need and introduce you to suitable candidates.

Beauty Therapy students provide manicures to residents at Galsworthy House Nursing Home

The College is delighted to work closely with employers and organisations and is always keen to discuss opportunities with contacts looking for support or to raise the profile of their business by meeting our students or hosting them for work experience.

At Kingston College we run biannual Employability Weeks when students can attend talks from a vast range of employers as well as workshops on improving CV skills and mock interviews.

We most recently held an employability week at Kingston College where students enjoyed talks from JP Morgan, Brentford FC and National Physical Laboratory amongst others. Employability focus weeks really help to develop the employability skills of our students, improving their communication and teamwork skills.

• Recruitment Opportunity – Hosting work experience students allows you to trial potential future employers

• Community Reputation – Students share good experiences with friends and family which could enhance your reputation as a business in the local community

• S taff Development – Encouraging current staff to mentor or supervise work experience students can contribute to an employee’s continuous professional development and help them into line management

• New Ideas – Young people often bring fresh ideas and approaches and may help revitalise your organisation

When organising a work experience placement for you we will carefully work with you to select the most appropriate candidate for your business needs. We can provide students for placements with a variety of key skills to contribute to specific business departments.

If you are available to offer a talk at our next Employability Week starting 6th March 2023 or would like to enquire about work experience opportunities, please contact Clive Lissaman, Head of Employability at Kingston College: Clive.Lissaman@stcg.ac.uk

Kingston College BTEC Graphic Design student, Harry Lloyd-Jones undertook recent work experience at A&B Waters Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists in Surbiton. Harry’s lecturer Nicky Hillard said: “Harry loved the experience, and the employers were impressed with his creativity, commitment, aptitude and professionalism.”

Harry commented: “It helped me grasp the concept of working with a client. Asking questions and being able to adapt to late changes. I love that environment and the challenges that come with it.”

Level 2 Beauty Therapy students have been visiting elderly residents at The Galsworthy House Nursing Home on Kingston Hill, providing manicures to the residents but also lots of friendly company and conversation each Friday afternoon. Beauty Therapy Lecturer, Grace Klos-Lim, commented: “It’s a great benefit to the residents but also to the students who are learning how to communicate and care for elderly clients.”