On Thursday 4 April, Buxton & Leek College held its first ever Student Employability Conference, in partnership with DANCOP. The aim of the day was to create an exciting and aspirational student event for the college’s 16-19 year-old students, taking part in the Industry Placement Pilot.
The conference which was the official launch of the Industry Placement Scheme, provided employability advice and workshops, highlighting the importance of work placements for future goals and progression.
In total 91 College students attended from the curriculum areas: Health & Social Care, Childcare, Hospitality, Catering, Business, IT and Beauty. The learning outcomes for the event included developing student resilience and confidence in the workplace, and also student’s understanding of how to make themselves more employable and re-engage within their placement.
The morning workshops welcomed guest speakers: Darren Harris (a motivational speaker) and also Kimberly Munro (an expert in employment). From the students that completed a post event survey, 84.3% voted for Darren Harris as their favourite part of the conference and 88% of learners said they would recommend the event to a friend. Students also commented that the event in general helped them understand the value of undertaking an industry placement especially for enhancing their CV in preparation for applying to university or for a job.
Part of the conference included a lunchtime employability fair with free pizza given out. All students and staff were invited to attend this section of the conference, where industry placements were also promoted to students who may want to take part next year.
Additional interactive activities for attendees included a Union of Students photo booth and drop in sessions for CV support and employability skills. There was also information about micro volunteering activities and summer placements. HE students delivered a Q & A to students, titled: “What is work experience like at University?”
Afternoon workshop centred around the importance of maths & English in the workplace ‘Make yourself employable’.
For further information about industry Placements visit here:
