Middlesbrough College
Advantage Your future depends on what you do today
ADVANTAGE BUILDING SKILLS FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE, WORK AND EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION WHAT IS ADVANTAGE? Advantage is a range of activities, sessions and workshops to help you develop the skills future employers require and also to ensure you have the best opportunity to progress to employment, Further Education, University or self-employment. WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? We all know that life in the 21st Century is very competitive. Advantage is designed to give you the opportunity to access events, workshops, guest speakers and training sessions to equip you with the necessary skills and mind-set that will give you the advantage to progress and achieve your aspirations, whatever they may be. WHO CAN ATTEND? All students full or part time, Higher Education or apprentices of any age can access any Advantage session. HOW WILL IT WORK? There are 4 Advantage packages: Get that Job, Going to University, Business Start-Up and Life Essentials. Each package offers a range of engaging skills and development sessions. Discuss with your Personal Tutor what your ambitions are on the completion of your course and then select the sessions to develop the skills you need to give you an advantage to achieve your ambitions.
ADVA N HELPI TAGE, TO PR NG YOU WOR EPARE FO K, E D R U AND CATION L I F E!
HOW TO BOOK ON TO A SESSION? All Advantage sessions can be booked online via the Advantage booking site which you access via your Canvas Home Page. Lots of Advantage sessions take place outside your normal timetabled hours allowing you to be flexible in the days and times you attend. Each student will attend the 5 mandatory sessions - Prevent, Community Values, Safeguarding, Cyber Bullying and Why Risk it? (Sexual Health). In addition there is an expectation you will attend at least one other session per term. WHERE CAN I GO FOR MORE HELP, INFORMATION AND ADVICE? 1. Your Personal Tutor can provide you with more information and support throughout the year helping you to select the right sessions for your development. 2. Advantage Coaches can advise and support you throughout the year. 3. You can contact the Advantage Coaches via e-mail: advantageprogrammeenquiries@mbro.ac.uk This booklet provides an overview of the types of sessions on offer in each package. For more details on the dates and times of sessions please log on and view your Advantage page.
PACKAGES Get that Job
Going to University
For students to improve their employment potential.
For students who wish to progress to Higher Education on completion of their course.
Business Start-Up
Life Essentials
For students who are interested in starting their own business and selfemployment.
Providing you with skills, support and advice to meet the demands of modern life.
Offers a range of interactive and fun activities designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
LIFE ESSENTIALS
The following workshops, activities and events are suitable for all students.
Title
Description
Skill Sets Developed
Synthetic highs
This session offers a brief view of the changing drugs trends in the UK and the services that support young people living in Middlesbrough. It will examine the increased use of new psychoactive substances (aka “legal highs”) including synthetic cannabinoids such as ‘Spice’. This session is aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of these drugs in an open and informative setting. Suitable for all students.
Information session Self-confidence Well-being
Alcohol awareness
This session enables students to learn about the effects and consequences of the use and misuse of alcohol. 100% of students surveyed recommend this session. Suitable for all students.
Personal safety and welfare
Healthy eating
How much do you really know about what you are eating? Do you know your trans fats from your carbohydrates and proteins? An informative session linked to the fight against obesity and related health issues such as diabetes in young people. 93% of students surveyed recommend this session. Suitable for all students.
Maths and English Personal welfare and safety
Body image
Is there such a thing as a perfect body image? This session will help you understand the role of the media in shaping people’s opinion on how you should look, leaving many young people feeling dissatisfied. You will explore how you can challenge the perception of body image to become happier in your own skin. 96% of students surveyed recommend this session. Suitable for all students.
Personal safety and welfare
Breast cancer awareness
An informative session that explores the impact of breast cancer. Practical session full of tips and information as well as how to check yourself and what to do if you have any concerns. Suitable for all students.
General information/safety
Title
Description
Skill Sets Developed
Disability awareness
This session aims to increase your understanding of disability and move you from being disability aware to disability confident. Suitable for all students.
Team work Communication English Discussion
Healthy lifestyle – the benefits of being active
This session explores the impact of being active on your health and well-being. You will be able to identify opportunities to become more physically active at College or in your local area. Suitable for all students
Positive attitude Motivation Self-confidence Maths
Making your money go further
This session will help you to budget your cash, understand your payslip and learn how to make your money go further. Suitable for all students.
Numeracy Team work Problem-solving
Mental health awareness
Mental health issues are extremely common, this session aims to help students identify causes and symptoms of mental health problems and recognise where to access help and support if needed. Suitable for all students.
Personal welfare and safety
Movember: men's health awareness
Awareness raising session about male health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer, explaining how the Movember campaign can help. Suitable for all students.
Personal welfare and safety Discussion Self-confidence
Understanding debt
This session will give you the real facts about debt including payday loans and loan sharks. Practical advice on how to avoid the debt trap and where to go for help and advice. Suitable for all students.
Numeracy Information session
Preventing girl on girl bullying
Interactive session looking at the specific nature of girl on girl bullying and how to prevent it. Suitable for female students.
Personal welfare and safety Self-confidence Communication
Respect
This session will look into how to ensure everyone is treated with respect regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability or pregnancy. Information in this session is useful for being work ready. Suitable for all students.
Information session English
Title
Description
Skill Sets Developed
Assistive technology
In this session students will have the opportunity to find out about the technology that is available both in and out of College to support them. Tutor request only
Confidence Planning English Numeracy
Goal setting and motivation
Steps to success. How to be brilliant. Achieving your aspirations through better organisational skills, goal-setting, preparation and planning. Suitable for all students.
Organisation Goal-setting Planning Self-confidence English Time management
First aid online
Would you know what to do if on a night out a friend is injured or collapses? This action based session utilises highly interactive online videos and scenarios to help you develop the decision making skills that can give you the tools to potentially save a friend’s life. Suitable for all students.
IT skills Self-confidence Information session
Time management
Do you have poor time management skills? Do you want to get things done and have time for yourself at the same time? Join the session and we will show you how to organise yourself. This session will help you to develop and maintain the skill to manage your time effectively. Once you improve this skill you will boost your chances in progressing to future employment or Higher Education. Suitable for all students.
Organisation Time management Motivation Planning English Maths
Healthy relationships
This workshop will show you the difference between controlling behaviour and a healthy relationship; and separate facts from some of the common myths surrounding teenage relationships and abuse. Suitable for all students.
Personal safety and welfare Self-confidence Discussion
Confidence and self belief
This session will help you to discover what confidence and self-belief is. The session aims to help you improve your own self-esteem to project a confident and positive image. Suitable for all students.
Self-confidence Motivation
Preventing and dealing with bullying
Interactive session looking at the specific nature of bullying and how to prevent it. Suitable for all students.
Personal welfare and safety Self-confidence Communication
Title
Description
Skill Sets Developed
Drug misuse
An insight into drug misuse and the health and social problems drug misuse can cause. Suitable for all students.
Personal welfare and safety Team work Communication
Improving your resilience
In this session students will learn about useful coping strategies. Everyone experiences difficult times and feelings and having resilience can help when you are going through challenging times. Suitable for all students
Positive attitude Motivation Self-confidence Communication Personal welfare and safety
Cyber safety
This session explores how to stay safe online including sexting, cyber bullying and the possible impact on employment prospects. Essential for all students.
Personal welfare and safety IT skills
Fundamental community values (British values)
This session aims to discuss and understand the values that underpin British communities, to ensure a respectful and cohesive society is maintained in the UK. Essential for all students.
Discussion Communication
Why risk it? (sexual health)
This session will help you identify how to look after your sexual health and wellbeing including how to prevent STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), unplanned pregnancies and where to go for further help if required. Essential for all students
Personal safety and welfare Mandatory session
Prevent
The process of radicalisation can lead to some people adopting and acting on violent extremist views, breaking the law and in some cases it can lead to acts of terrorism. This session aims to look at all forms of extremism and provide students with advice and guidance on what to do should they be concerned about someone they know or suspect is being radicalised. Essential for all students.
Personal welfare and safety Mandatory session
Safeguarding
We all have a responsibility for looking out for ourselves and each other’s safety and well-being. This session explores how to safeguard yourself and each other and who to talk to in the College if you have any concerns. Essential for all students.
Personal safety and welfare Mandatory session
Decision making
Do you struggle to make decisions? Do you find yourself second-guessing? This session will develop your confidence to make well-informed and realistic decisions about your future. Suitable for all students.
Decision making Self-confidence Problem-solving
GET THAT JOB
The following activities and events are aimed primarily at students wishing to gain full time employment or an apprenticeship at the end of their studies. These activities and events would also be beneficial to students wishing to gain part time employment whilst studying at the College. Title
Description
Skills Developed
1:1 CV writing
1-1 session with an Advantage Coach to develop a professional vocationally relevant CV. Please bring your CV if you have one. Suitable for all students.
English Communication
1:1 Interview skills
1-1 session with an Advantage Coach to develop the skills required for effective interviews. If you have a job interview lined-up, please bring all the information you have about the company with you to the session. Suitable for all students.
English Communication Self-confidence
Apprenticeships explained
This session explains what an apprenticeship is, what it involves and the benefits of doing an apprenticeship. It will show you how to register your interest in an apprenticeship, create a profile on the National Apprenticeship Service website and how to find and apply for apprenticeship vacancies. Suitable for all students.
Information session
Are you job ready? (3 hour workshop)
A 3 hour interactive workshop to prepare you to gain employment and ensure you succeed in your dream job. This workshop covers team-work, effective interview techniques, how to dress appropriately and much more! Suitable for all students.
Strong work ethic Positive attitude Self-confidence Professional criticism English Communication
Create the perfect CV
Do you have a professional CV? This session will bring your CV to life to reflect your achievements and capabilities to stand out and impress potential employers. If you have a CV – please bring it in to the session. Suitable for all students.
English IT Communication
Create the perfect covering letter
A badly written covering letter with poor spelling and grammar could mean your CV may end up in the bin. Come to this session to improve your letter writing skills. Suitable for all students.
English IT Communication
Communication skills
This interactive workshop will get students to consider their speaking and listening skills and the barriers that can affect effective communications. It will get them to practice active listening as well as clarity of speech. Suitable for all students.
Communication Team work Self confidence
Title
Description
Skills Developed
Dress for success
Need to look good at interview? Not sure what to wear? Look no further; this session will assist you in looking professional and making the correct wardrobe decisions ensuring you project the best professional image. Suitable for all students.
Self-confidence Communication
Volunteering
Can’t get a job without experience, can’t get experience without a job, actually you can! This session looks at the benefits of volunteering and why people choose to volunteer. You will also have an opportunity to register with an approved volunteering site. Suitable for all students.
Information session
Meeting employer expectations
Top tips on what it takes to be outstanding in your job role and progress within your company. Suitable for all students.
Positive attitude Strong work ethic Communication
Application forms
This session will give you the skills you need to complete an application form successfully. You will also acquire the skills needed to match the job specification requirements to your application form. Suitable for all students.
English
Professional presentations
Learn how to create a professional and memorable IT presentation that will make you stand out in either job interview or classroom situation. By exploring the different tools available for professional presentations, you can develop your practical skills and boost your confidence. Suitable for all students.
IT skills Communication English
Interview skills
Feeling nervous before an Interview? This session will equip you with confidence and the skill set to prepare you for your next job interview. Suitable for all students.
Positive attitude Self-confidence Communication
Job search
An interactive workshop to help you understand the most effective methods to find and apply to vacancies, a chance to hone your job searching skills and understand where you may have been going wrong. This is a great opportunity to make your job searching more focussed, organised and successful! Suitable for all students.
Self-confidence English Communication IT skills Positive attitude
LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram
Ever wondered how a person got that ‘dream job’ without it being advertised? This session looks at how to use professional networking sites (LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram) for potential employers to find you. Suitable for all students.
English Communication IT
Title
Description
Skills Developed
Making yourself memorable
An essential interactive session on how to make yourself stand out for the right reasons at interview or networking opportunities to boost your employability potential. Suitable for students who have already completed interview skills.
Positive attitude Self-confidence Communication
Preparation for work experience
There is an expectation that all students will take part in some form of work experience during their time at College. This session will give you the confidence and knowledge that you will need when attending your work experience placement. You will gain an understanding of why work experience is important to your future career and educational prospects and what you can do to get the best out of the experience. Suitable for all students.
Positive attitude
Skill awareness
Do you struggle to promote yourself? This session will develop your self-awareness to give you better understanding of the skills you hold and what you have to offer to employers. Suitable for all students.
Self-confidence Positive attitude Communication
Title
Description
Skills Developed
Team-building and problem solving skills
To be able to work as a part of the team and offer constructive solutions to problems in the workplace is an essential skill for employment. These fun and interactive sessions are designed to help you develop these skills in preparation for your career. This session can be attended multiple times as different problem solving activities will be used. Available for tutor request only.
Positive attitude Leadership skills Communication Time management Problem solving Team player Work well under pressure Self-confidence Flexible/ adaptable
Blogging
This interactive session will help you understand how to use an online blogging site to your advantage. Whatever your interest this session will help you share your passion in the correct, professional way helping to promote a positive online profile. Suitable for all students.
English
Body language
Learn about body language and its importance in successful communication. Find out why assertiveness wins the day and how to avoid being too passive or aggressive. 95% of students surveyed recommend this session. Suitable for all students.
Communication
GOING TO UNIVERSITY
The following preparation, planning workshops and events are targeted towards those students who are thinking of or are planning to progress to University. For those students in the first year of their Level 3 programme there are sessions that provide information about the choices available plus financial advice. Students in their final year will receive support to write their UCAS personal statements and to complete their online UCAS application, advice on accommodation, living at University and how to manage finances. Title
Description
Skills Developed
University interviews
Feeling nervous before a University interview? This session will equip you with confidence and the skill set to prepare you for your next University interview. Suitable for Level 3 / A Levels access students
Positive attitude Self-confidence Communication
Alternatives to University
Are you contemplating your next steps after College, but not sure that University is for you? This helpful session will give you information about the alternative routes open to you after your Level 3 qualification. Session is suitable for Level 3 / A Levels students
Information session Self-confidence
UCAS 1:1 drop-in support and advice session
Do you need 1:1 help and support with your UCAS application? These 1:1 support sessions are just the ticket. Tailored support that helps you navigate the UCAS application site and submit a professional application.
English skills Self awareness Reviewing skills
Raising aspirations – an introduction to higher education
An essential session for all 1st year Level 3 students, this session provides information on the benefits of continuing onto University after your final year at College.
Information session
UCAS personal statement writing master class
This session provides assistance on how to plan and write an effective UCAS personal statement to give you the best chance of gaining that coveted place at the University of your choice. Top hints and tips on what it takes to write that killer personal statement and to stand out from the crowd.
English skills Self awareness Self-confidence
University guest speaker
Have you ever wondered what different Universities are like to study at? This series of guest speaker sessions is your opportunity to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth, an opportunity to ask the questions you would like an answer to.
Information session
Cooking at University on a budget
This session will help you to prepare for the independence of cooking for yourself at University, understand how to plan a shopping list, choose the cheapest options and stay healthy. Suitable for all students
Confidence Positive attitude
BUSINESS START-UP
For those who have ambitions to run their own business or set up as self-employed in the future.
Title
Description
Skills Developed
Christmas market planning and preparation
An opportunity to develop essential entrepreneurial business skills by planning and preparing and running a market stall at the College Christmas Market. These sessions are managed by Advantage coaches. This opportunity is fantastic for those of you who are thinking of starting your own business or becoming self-employed – or if you simply want to raise some money for a local charity!
Team work Communication Confidence Organisation Planning Time management
How to become self-employed?
Are you thinking of starting your own business or becoming self- employed? This session will give you an overview of the steps involved, listen to your ideas and provide guidance on how and where to access expert support to take your ideas forward. Suitable for all students.
Communication Confidence Organisation Planning Time management
Finding and keeping customers
Basic introduction to techniques and strategies of market research and good customer care. Suitable for students who completed the How to Become Self-Employed Session?
Team player Leadership skills Self-confidence Problem solving Communication
Do you have a burning passion to develop your entrepreneurial skills, set up your own small business or progress to self-employment in the future?
The Business Start–Up Package offers a range of informative workshops and sessions to help you start your venture. With our links to local and national business start-up organisations we can help you to access further support, information and advice.
A range of activity based events and sessions aimed at promoting a more active lifestyle and life choices, suitable for all students!
College Enrichment and Activities
The ‘Live Well Learn Well Project’ is Middlesbrough College’s physical activity and enrichment programme, and offers full time students the opportunity to partake in participation based sports and activities across College and within the local community. Organised and delivered by the ’Live Well Learn Well’ team, in partnership with Sport England funding and the College, the project offers the opportunity to try something new and aims to promote health and wellbeing.
Title
Description
Archery club
Delivery by qualified staff from the College and Teesside University in the College’s sports hall. No experience required and all equipment provided for just £2 per person.
Table tennis taster sessions
Delivery by Swerve Table Tennis Club every week with all equipment and coaching provided. No experience required to take part.
Enrichment basketball
Delivered by Middlesbrough College staff every week in the College’s sports hall. No experience required.
Climbing club
Weekly Climbing Club that takes place at Teesside University with transport, equipment and training included. £2 per person. The club also runs a number of centre climbs across the North East at the end of each week. Outdoor climbing trips are also organised.
No strings badminton
Drop into the sports hall and have a go at some badminton. All equipment is provided.
Enrichment football
Delivered by Middlesbrough College staff every week on the football pitches. No experience required.
Enrichment gymnastics
Delivered by Middlesbrough College staff every week in GymWorld. No experience required.
The timetabled sessions run on a weekly basis and most are free to all students. As students of Middlesbrough College, we want to know what you want to do. To find out about the times and days of the sessions, or to suggest activities and sports you want to see feel free to come up and speak to James, Project Lead, in the Wellbeing Hub or email ja.hartley@mbro.ac.uk
SOFT SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT WHAT ARE SOFT SKILLS? As well as gaining new qualifications, developing vocational skills and technical abilities, it is important to develop what is known as ‘Soft Skills’. ‘Soft Skills’ is a term used to describe the qualities, behaviours and attributes you need to be successful in the workplace. ‘Soft Skills’ are the skills employers look for in addition to qualifications in new employees. ‘Soft Skills’ encompass your ability to listen well, communicate effectively, be positive, manage conflict, accept responsibility, show respect, build trust, work well with others, manage time effectively, accept criticism, work under pressure and demonstrate good manners. The development of ‘Soft Skills’ has many advantages including improving employment potential and career progression. DEVELOPING YOUR ‘SOFT SKILLS’ FOR SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE To start you will need to know which ‘Soft Skills’ you are good at and which ones you will need to improve. Complete the quick self assessment on the adjacent page. You and your Personal Tutor will then be able to set SMART actions to help you develop your skill sets.
GOO DL AMAZ UCK, BE ENJO ING AND AT MI Y YOUR TI ME DDLE SB COLL ROUGH EG E.
SOFT SKILLS SELF ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY For a quick assessment of your Soft Skills read each question and award yourself a score based on the key. Any score of 2 and higher may require you to develop that Soft Skill during your time at Middlesbrough College.
Question I have a strong work ethic I have a positive “can do� attitude I can demonstrate good leadership skills I am good at communicating with others I have good English, maths and IT skills I am good at planning and organising
Key 4 - I do not have this Soft Skill 3 - I need to improve this Soft Skill 2 - I am satisfactory at this Soft Skill but could improve 1 - I am good at this Soft Skill Once you have identified Soft Skills that require developing, search the Advantage booking site for sessions that will help you to develop the skills.
I have good time management skills I am good at problem solving I am an active team player I have self confidence in my own abilities I am flexible and adaptable I can work well under pressure
Score
DO YOU HAVE THE MAIN ‘SOFT SKILLS’ REQUIRED BY EMPLOYERS? ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS, BE HONEST.
DO YOU HAVE A STRONG WORK ETHIC? • Are you able to act on your own initiative? • Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done? • Are you conscientious and do your best work all of the time? DO YOU HAVE A POSITIVE ‘CAN DO’ ATTITUDE? • Are you optimistic and upbeat? • Do you generate good energy and good will? ARE YOU GOOD AT COMMUNICATING WITH OTHERS? • Being a good communicator involves not only speaking but also writing and listening to others. • Can you make your case and express yourself in a way that builds positive relationships with people and customers? CAN YOU DEMONSTRATE GOOD LEADERSHIP SKILLS? • Do you step up when leadership is required? • Can you plan and organise people well? • Can you make the right decisions and get people to act or follow you? DO YOU HAVE GOOD MATH, ENGLISH AND IT SKILLS? • Can you use a professional level of written and spoken English?
• Are your maths skills fit for the workplace and are you able to use IT as part of your working life? DO YOU HAVE GOOD PLANNING AND ORGANISING SKILLS? • Are you able to assess what needs to be done and set in place a plan to achieve the aim? • Can you direct and organise people and resources? DO YOU HAVE GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS? • Do you know how to prioritise tasks and work on a number of different projects at the same time? • Will you use your time wisely to complete course work and work tasks? • Are you able to meet deadlines? ARE YOU GOOD AT PROBLEMSOLVING? • Are you resourceful and able to help solve problems that will inevitably arise? • Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for someone else to sort out? DO YOU HAVE SELF-CONFIDENCE IN YOUR OWN ABILITIES? • Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of calm and inspire confidence in others? • Will you have the courage to ask questions
that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas? ARE YOU AN ACTIVE TEAM PLAYER? • Will you be cooperative when working with others? • Can you work with others to get the job done? DO YOU ACCEPT PROFESSIONAL CRITICISM AND LEARN FROM IT TO IMPROVE? • Are you able to handle criticism? • Are you approachable and open to learning and growing as a person and as a professional employee? ARE YOU FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE? • Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? • Will you embrace change and be open to new ideas? CAN YOU WORK WELL UNDER PRESSURE? • Can you handle the stress that accompanies deadlines and problems? • Will you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch?
HOW ADVANTAGE HELPED ME “I just wished to let you know I now have a job and wish to thank you yet again for your help through Advantage and the work you put in to make this job opportunity happen for me.”
“Advantage helped me prepare thoroughly for interview and helped me identify means to make myself stand out from other candidates using my previous personal achievements”
Ryan Harris
Amaan Ayoub
“I want to thank the Advantage coaches they definitely helped me to secure the position and I want people to know that it is well worth taking part in it.”
“I am so happy to have got employment with this company and appreciate all you did for me via Advantage.”
Express Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Jack Buckley
NIFCO - IT Network Engineer Apprentice
Alex Taylor
Express Engineering - IT Trainee
CPI- IT Trainee
“Advantage provided me with techniques for interview which gave me confidence and really helped me secure the job.”
Becky Midgeley
Pickerings Lifts - AAT Apprentice
WHO WE WORK WITH
ADVANTAGE THINK ABOUT YOUR AMBITIONS, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER COLLEGE? WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR PERSONAL TUTOR OR AN ADVANTAGE COACH SELECT WHICH PACKAGE YOU WILL FOCUS ON, LOOK AT THE SESSIONS ON OFFER AND BOOK YOURSELF A PLACE ON THE SESSIONS YOU WANT TO ATTEND.
GET THAT JOB
For students to improve their employment prospects
BUSINESS START-UP For students who are interested in starting their own business
YOU SUCC R FUTURE ES HAND S IS IN YO UR S. HERE IT STARTS AND NOW !
GOING TO UNIVERSITY For students who wish to progress to Higher Education
LIFE ESSENTIALS
Giving you skills, support and advice to meet the demands of modern life
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR PERSONAL TUTOR OR THE ADVANTAGE COACHES ADVANTAGEPROGRAMMEENQUIRIES@MBRO.AC.UK • C.WELSH@MBRO.AC.UK