5 minute read
Skills
Interested in bringing new ideas and resource to your business?
South Thames College can help
Since the start of the most recent national lockdown South Thames College has adapted its work with local employers, introducing several virtual activities including an Employability Week, where learners engaged with major local employers to find out more about careers in the sector relevant to their study programme.
We have also continued to up-skill staff from local businesses through them completing online NCFE qualifications, and the virtual Civil Service Academy which has seen 29 learners progress into employment with the Government in various roles.
For students studying at South Thames College employability skill development and work experience is compulsory and an incredibly valuable element of their study providing them with the real progression opportunities that they crave in an ever competitive employment market. The College’s Inspiring Futures Programme includes Employability Weeks which provides student talks by our industry partners on job/career opportunities within their sector or organisation, CV checks, mock interviews and other “soft skill” development. Employability Conferences and Taster Days help learners to discover more about what they could do next and how to develop those “soft skills” to give themselves the absolute best possible chances for the future. The benefits to the learner are numerous, and much appreciated, and include the opportunity to improve amongst many things their communication and teamwork skills etc.
The benefits to our generous participating employer organisations include:
• An extra resource at no cost – a work experience student may be able to support the current staff or undertake a project that has been planned for some time but has been unable to progress due to lack of resources. Why not have a rolling programme of students all year who can hand over projects to each other? • Recruitment opportunity – hosting work experience students allows you, the employer, to trial potential future employees or volunteers before, or instead of, a potentially expensive investment in recruitment or training.
Being a guest speaker during our
Employability Weeks, or providing a visit opportunity to your organisation, promotes you and your sector and could stimulate a larger talent pool from which to select when recruiting. • Community links – students share good experiences with their friends and family, and this and the College’s acknowledgment of your support will help raise your profile as an organisation which supports the development of local young people. • Staff development – encouraging current staff to mentor or supervise work experience students or offer a talk about their career path can motivate them and contribute to their continuing professional development and perhaps be their first step into line management. • New ideas and understanding – young people often bring fresh ideas and approaches and may help revitalise your organisation.
You will also benefit from an increased knowledge of the way young people learn and current qualifications, possibly helping you target recruitment more effectively and help with the effectiveness of in-house training. Get in touch today to see how we can help your business: chris.dodd@stcg.ac.uk
Case Study
Souleymane Avice is a Level 3 in Art & Design learner, completing an Industrial Placement with major Construction firm John Sisk and Sons. Working on their Peabody Estate (Phase 2) project, Souleymane assists the Project Managers and Coordinators with the various planning and design elements of the project.
Sarah Wright, Community Liaison Officer at John Sisk & Son, commented: “Souleymane has been learning all about the design journey from concept through to construction, developing and growing his understanding of architecture, creative thinking and construction. He has been motivated and encouraged to explore his interest in architecture and develop his skills in spatial modelling and understanding the character of buildings and landscapes. He has met various members of the Sisk Management team to learn about all the different roles that go into construction. In addition to meeting the team and learning more about construction and the day-to-day operations that build the buildings we inhabit Souleymane has been given a challenge to design a house for the community. The journey began by studying the site and the people that live in the area. Followed by a study of a range of residential buildings both overseas and close to home. He has been encouraged to understand the buildings personality, character, and the story behind its design. He is now working towards designing his own project, focusing on design intent that is represented in a series of single images.”
Navigating the New Norm
5 Top Tips to help you work more efficiently from home:
1. Securing Accounts
• Ensure all users have strong passwords - ideally use a password manager • Use Multifactor authentication wherever possible • Logins must not be shared
2. Securing Devices
• All devices should have a password or pin code • Automatic software updates should be configured • Antivirus software should be installed • Laptops should have full encryption enabled
3. Virtual Meetings
• With numerous solutions available for internal team and external client meetings, secure access is key – e.g. use password protection, authenticate users, make use of waiting rooms
4. Documents
• Having difficulty with
VPN or emailing files?
Consider migrating to a platform such as Microsoft Teams allowing real-time collaboration on documents
5. Hardware
• If your WFH team is struggling with old equipment, leasing devices could be an effective solution • An equipment audit can help assess current and future needs and set priorities
Let Shoal IT be your trusted technology partner…
Security and transparency are at the heart of our business.
Shoal ensures that we have a deep understanding of your needs before providing and implementing appropriate and cost-effective solutions. Our IT expertise includes security, remote working, connectivity, software, hardware – all to provide our clients with effective business enablers. We provide Managed Services where Shoal is your “virtual” IT department, not only giving you 24/7 access to our UK-based helpdesk but also proactive monitoring and maintenance of your IT systems. With Cyber Security a key focus, we provide a range of alternatives from a one-off cyber audit to helping you acquire and maintain the UK Government’s Cyber Essentials certification. We also undertake one-off and on-going Project work to aid your business development.
To discuss your IT needs with us, please call or email: +44 20 8078 0810 info@shoal-it.com www.shoal-it.com
Shoal IT Solutions was founded by Mike Fish in 2002 and has been providing a professional and friendly service ever since to help clients find the right solutions for their varied SME businesses.
