Learners from Construction Multi-Skills Level 1 have this week spent time with the management team of a Wates (www.wates.co.uk) construction site in Roehampton, learning directly on how the project is run each day.

During the visit learners completed a tour of the site, and had talks from senior managers on how health & safety is managed on site, the key employability skills that Wates look for from staff, and career progression opportunities after College, including Apprenticeships.

This visit was part of an on-going partnership between South Thames College and Wates that also includes Work Experience placements on local sites, and employability sessions covering areas such as applying for jobs, and interview practice. 

Learners on Level 3 Business have this week gained first-hand experience of managing a major event by supporting the Economic Development Office at Wandsworth Council in running their 'Access to Finance Wandsworth' day at Battersea Arts Centre.

The aim of the day was to provide local business owners with the opportunity to find out about; the current funding landscape for SMEs, the various funding options available to their business, what funders are looking for, what they need to get finance ready, and what support is available.

As part of the day the Business learners supported with setting up the event, greeting guests and speakers, and helping to ensure the programme of activities ran efficiently.

Learners from BTEC Level 3 Health & Social Care have hosted a leading industry professional to talk about employability in the sector.

Laura Anthony from Skills for Care delivered an extensive talk to the group about her career, employment opportunities for learners after their course, employer expectations, and opportunities for further professional development once in work.

All of the learners spoke very positively about the talk, and how it helped them to start to plan further for studying and employment.

This talk was part of a new collaborative approach to working between South Thames College and Skills for Care. The College is passionate about ensuring it's courses meet current industry expectations.