Focus on Croydon

Support your career ambitions at Croydon University Centre

Whether you’re just finishing your A Levels, or looking for a fresh start pursuing a new career, Croydon University Centre – part of the Croydon College Group – has the courses and support to help you succeed.

With applications open now for courses starting in September 2022, Croydon University Centre, based in Croydon’s town centre, fewer than five minutes from East Croydon Station and its fantastic connections to central London, offers Undergraduate, Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Teacher Training courses.

Degrees, delivered in partnership with the University of Roehampton, include BA (Hons) in Business & Management, Early Childhood Studies, Public Health & Social Care and BSc (Hons) in Adult and Children’s Nursing, with hands-on training in the University Centre’s stateof-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre, which replicates realistic community and in-hospital settings and gives learners unrivalled practical training. The Early Childhood Studies degree focusses on child development and pedagogical approaches to working with young children, putting students in practical settings as well as equipping them with the knowledge to build a career, and was recently updated with Roehampton University to ensure it meets standards in the Framework for Higher Education. Other degree-level courses include Level 4 HE Certificates in Criminology and Social Justice, and Public Health and Social Care, as well as a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. The HNCs on offer at the University Centre offer a wide range of career routes poststudy, with courses available in Business, Construction and Engineering, along with a Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship and Facilities Manager Apprenticeship too. These courses are available to start throughout the year at various points, and ideal for those interested in changing careers, reskilling or upskilling and earning while they learn. Those looking to shape, teach, and skill the next generation can also make progress in their careers at the University Centre, with Teacher Training courses. A career in teaching offers great benefits, opportunities to use a wide range of skills and the chance to inspire students in a subject you love. A rewarding profession, teachers get to work with amazing children, young people and colleagues, doing work that makes them feel proud and valued, earning a salary higher than many people expect. There are two Level 4 Certificates to choose from, one in Education and Training, one focussing on Early Childhood Studies, and also a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Teaching.

To find out more about the courses on offer at Croydon University Centre, visit www.croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk/study

Council supports Croydon’s economic recovery

As the UK enters the next stage of its recovery from COVID-19, Croydon Council is offering further targeted support to businesses hardest hit by the pandemic to aid their recovery.

The business recovery grant will provide £5,000 grants, out of £590,000 of funding, to businesses that have seen a loss of income of at least 10% over the last two years.

Grants of up to £2,000 are also available through the Black, Asian and minority ethnic grant to help Croydon-based entrepreneurs. These grants come from £80,000 of funds to support the community, which evidence shows has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. All funding will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Local businesses can also now apply for a free 15-month membership with the Croydon division of the South East London Chamber of Commerce. Membership can help businesses access additional funding opportunities, workshops, webinars and training. Businesses can apply online entering code: croydon2022 to take advantage of the offer. More information at https://www.selondonchamber.org/ news/supporting-croydons-economicrecovery/ All funding to support these initiatives comes from the government’s additional restrictions fund given to the council to support local businesses most impacted by the pandemic. The council said: “With COVID restrictions lifted nationally and more people feeling confident being out and about, it’s a positive time for our local businesses and the wider economy. “The new grants and additional support have been designed not only to help areas of our business community most impacted by the pandemic but also to help others with their recovery, whether that’s managing their cashflow or looking to build resilience for the future.”