the workspace programme January - March 2013

city college plymouth

Programme January-March 2013

Are you fit for work and is work fit for you?

Maintaining a healthy mind and body will really help you to fulfil your full potential in employment. Making small adjustments like taking regular exercise combined with learning how to manage stress levels can make positive changes on the way you feel both at work and outside of the work place.

However, it is also important that the work place provides an environment which is safe and comfortable.

Being familiar with health & safety guidelines can ensure you are working in the correct surroundings for employment.

Come along to one of our sessions to find out how you can be fit for work and how the workplace can be fit for you!

Health & Well-being These sessions, run by the College’s Activities Coordinator Lucy Sings, will cover topics such as healthy eating, stress management and fitness. Leading a healthy lifestyle can make a real difference to your performance in the workplace and can help you feel more able to deal with the demands of everyday life.

Lucy will provide you with handy facts and tips to maintain your health and well-being so come along to this session and start the New Year the right way!

Date: Thursday 24 January Time: 2.00pm - 3.00pm Date: Tuesday 19 March Time: 11.00am - 12.00noon Please book for either of these sessions by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Call: 01752 856825 e-mail: theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk

Volunteering and Working Abroad Have you considered offering your time to volunteer or maybe you would like to take some time out on a gap year? Did you know that volunteering can help you secure your ideal job or a place at University? Volunteering gives you a great opportunity to learn new skills and develop your existing talents so that you gain confidence and levels of competency, all of which will support you in achieving YOUR future aims. We have links with many organisations and it’s a great way to learn skills alongside your area of study…

Some of the benefits include: • the opportunity to gain new skills, knowledge, and experience • the chance to enhance your C.V. • improved employment prospects • good reference from a respected organisation • improvements to your confidence and selfesteem • the chance to make a difference to the lives of others - give something back • teamwork skills • building new friendships.

Come and hear how you can get involved in volunteering or working abroad with these fabulous organisations…

CHICKS Come along to this session run by volunteer Keith Fordham to find out more about the national charity CHICKS, which provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged children from across the UK. The children that the charity support come from a variety of backgrounds - those living in poverty, children that are abused, either mentally, physically or sexually, children who have lost parents or even children who are full-time carers.

Keith will explain how you can get involved with CHICKS through volunteering at a local camp and will share with you his involvement in this fantastic charity.

Date: Tuesday 22 January Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm Please book for this session by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Call: 01752 856825 e-mail: theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk

Project Trust Are you interested in volunteering abroad to help with local community projects? Educational volunteering charity Project Trust lets you experience life in Asia, Africa, Latin America or the Caribbean, not as a tourist but as a valued member of a local community. Take part in a long term project of either eight or twelve months and experience the inner workings of your chosen country.

Project Trust is now recruiting for August 2013 or January 2014 departures and still has places available so if you are thinking about a gap year, this is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your future prospects while doing something extremely worthwhile at the same time.

Please see below for details of when selection courses are taking place…

12 -16 February 2013 19 - 23 February 2013 26 February - 2 March 2013 Please contact theworkspace by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825 for more details.

St Luke’s Hospice needs you!

WRVS For over 70 years ago, WRVS has delivered personal and practical support for older people through local volunteers. As an age positive national charity, WRVS believes that every older person should have the opportunity and choice to get more out of life. The charity raises awareness of the issues older people face through media campaigns and research and actively lobby’s the government for age related policy improvements.

Volunteering with WRVS is a fantastic way to help the local community and assist older people with practical help. The charity helps over 100,000 older people every month across the country and you can make a real difference to someone’s life.

Apprenticeships Would you like to earn money while you continue learning the skills and knowledge needed to progress in your career? An Apprenticeship could be a good next step for you! Come along to hear about: • the benefits of undertaking an Apprenticeship • how to access an Apprenticeship • how the College can support you in finding an Apprenticeship employer.

Date: Thursday 14 March Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm

If you would like to volunteer, the following opportunities are available:

This session is being run by Sue Reed, Head of Work Based Learning and Schools Partnerships.

• Good Neighbour Volunteer • Mount Gould Coffee Shop Volunteer

Please book for one of these sessions by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Please contact theworkspace by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825 for more details on how to apply for these positions.

Founded in 1982, St Luke’s Hospice is a registered charity that is dedicated to providing highly specialised palliative and end of life care for patients who have terminal or life-limiting illnesses. They also offer support to the families and loved ones of the patients. The Hospice cares for more than two thousand people each year from across Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall.

St Luke’s are currently looking for volunteers in the following roles: Shop Assistants in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

No retail experience needed, training given, various shifts available.

Warehouse Donation Sorters in Plympton, Plymouth.

No experience necessary, training given, various shifts available.

Ebay Assistants in Plympton, Plymouth. Listing and photographing of items, researching and packing items, various shifts available.

Please contact theworkspace by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825 for more details on how to apply for the positions above.

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city college plymouth

Book a Careers Appointment Are you over 19 and not sure what to do next or after your course? If so the College can provide you with a free, confidential and impartial advice and guidance session with a professionally trained Careers Practitioner. In the session, we could help you to identify your strengths, interests and possible career direction, and then give you the information you need to make effective decisions about your future, finding a job and other courses. You can be sure that we will treat you with respect and help you to identify your opportunities. The Careers and theworkspace team look forward to meeting you and helping you towards a brighter future.

Helping you to get that job…

CV Writing Workshop Find out why it is important to have at least one quality CV, what information to include and how to lay it out.

Come along to this workshop run by the College Careers Team: Date: Tuesday 22 January Time: 10.00am - 11.00am

If you would like to come in to see an adviser at a time to suit you, please e-mail studentservices@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 305803.

Date: Wednesday 6 March Time: 11.00am - 12.00noon Date: Monday 11 February Time: 11.00am - 12.00noon Please book for one of these sessions by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

CV and Job Application Drop In Clinic

Interview Techniques Workshop

Already written your CV, but don’t know if it really sells you, your skills and knowledge?

The CV and job application have done their work and got you an interview, now is the opportunity to sell yourself and get that job!

Writing a job application, but not sure if yours will stand out from the crowd and get you that interview?

Come along to a one-to-one drop in session run by theworkspace team.

This workshop will help you prepare for the interview, develop your skills and confidence, test your interview skills and prepare you for interview questions.

Date: Wednesday 23 January Time: 3.00pm - 4.00pm

Date: Wednesday 30 January Time: 11.00am - 12.00noon

Date: Friday 15 February Time: 12.00noon - 1.00pm

Date: Wednesday 27 February Time: 11.00am - 12.00noon

Date: Wednesday 27 March Time: 11.00am - 12.00noon

Date: Friday 22 March Time: 9.45am - 10.45am

Just drop in to theworkspace opposite main reception at Kings Road.

Call: 01752 856825 e-mail: theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk

Please book for one of these sessions by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Study Skills The sessions listed are available for HE students and provide an ideal opportunity to brush up on areas which you may like some more help on.

Session/ Seminar Title

Staff

Room

Date

Working in groups – techniques to help with group work assignments.

Sue Atkinson

K304

09/01/2013

Maths workshop – this drop in session is open to anyone who would Jim like some help with maths or using excel Alexander

KI202

09/01/2013

Using references and examples effectively – recap on the Harvard Demelza technique and consideration of how to better incorporate quotes and Thackeray citations into your text.

K308

16/01/2013

Improving your access to academic information on the Internet and via Primo

KI202

16/01/2013

Martina Douie

Please book for one of these sessions by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

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city college plymouth

Melinda Cann

Employer talks and Working in…

The following sessions will give you a real insight into specific careers within particular industries.

You do not have to be studying the topic to attend, just have an interest in what the speaker may have to say. Some of the speakers may have run their own businesses and others have many years of knowledge to pass on to you.

Please let theworkspace team know if there is a specific industry that you would like to hear about.

Working in… the National Marine Aquarium Come along to this informative and fascinating talk by Dr David Gibson, Managing Director of the National Marine Aquarium, to hear how this favourite tourist attraction has developed. One of the best visitor attractions in the South West, Dr Gibson will explain how this charity is committed to promoting a sympathetic understanding of the sea through programmes of education, conservation and research.

Find out more about careers at the National Marine Aquarium and how you can get involved as a volunteer.

Date: Wednesday 6 February Time: 11.00am - 12.00 noon

Working in… Accounting This talk by Veronique Walkey, Chartered Accountant with Francis Clark, will focus on how she became the youngest qualified accountant in the Plymouth Francis Clark office. Find out the route Veronique took to become an Accountant and where she is heading in the future. Veronique is a member of Plymouth Junior Chamber of Commerce and believes strongly in the importance of promoting and developing business links and opportunities for young professionals in Plymouth.

If you are interested in a career within Accountancy, this is a fantastic session to come along to.

Date: Thursday 17 January Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm Please book for this session by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Spaces are limited so please book for this session by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Melinda Cann is a French English-based Accountant who is the Accounts and Audit Manager at Riley. After obtaining the equivalent of an Accountancy & Finance degree in France, Melinda briefly working in the audit department of a large accountancy firm in Nantes before moving to Britain.

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear what is involved with Melinda’s role and how she has developed her career in the Accounting world.

Working in… Law John Westwell has been Foot Anstey’s managing partner since 2008 and a partner at the firm since 1996. The firm has a strong market reputation for providing high quality legal advice and continues to cement its position as one of the leading legal practices outside London. In 2011 it was awarded ‘Regional Law Firm of the Year’ by legal industry publication Legal Week and John has also led the firm’s drive to achieve Lexcel accreditation. Foot Anstey was the first firm in the UK to achieve the Law Society’s National Award for Excellence in Practice Standards.

If you would like to find out what it’s like to work in Law, this talk is for you!

Date: Wednesday 23 January Time: 11.00am - 12.00 noon Spaces are limited so please book for this session by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Call: 01752 856825 e-mail: theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk

Working in… Accounting

Date: Thursday 14 March Time: 4.30pm - 5.30pm Please book for this session by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Self Employment Have you thought about starting up your own business? Would you like to be your own Boss? Having your own business can be a rewarding and challenging experience and here in theworkspace, we work with organisations in the local area who can help you turn your business idea into a reality.

Are you aged between 18-30 and living in the southwest? Do you have a great idea and the passion to succeed? South West Investment Group (SWIG) can help to turn your idea into a business plan and provide the finance you need to get started with your own business as well as on-going support.

To find out more information, please contact theworkspace by emailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Events & Opportunities…

Journalism and Media (JaM) Masterclasses at UCP Marjon Are you a Level 3 Creative Media or Media Studies student? Have you ever wanted to make a programme rather than just watch one? Whether you want to be in front of or behind the camera, this is your chance to create a TV news feature and try your hand at journalism, presenting, filming, sound or editing. You don’t need any specialist skills just lots of enthusiasm.

The Journalism and Media Masterclasses are available on the following dates: Date: Wednesday 30 January Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm To book a place or for further details, please email theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825

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Student Swap Week

Would you like to experience studying in another part of the College for a day? Perhaps you are interested in other areas to progress onto after your course?

Student Swap Week is taking place during STEPS week, Monday 4 - Friday 8 February, and could be just for you! Its great way to have some fun, learn new life skills and discover transferable skills.

For more information and to register your interest, please e-mail theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

UCAS Exeter Higher Education Convention 2013 This is the largest HE Convention to take place in Exeter and is organised in association with the University of Exeter and HELOA. The exhibition has stands from approximately 140 Higher Education institutions and professional organisations. Come along to find out information and advice on courses, institution, and career options. There will also be a handful of commercial companies, student finance advisors and Gap Year organisations too. In addition to this, a number of seminars will run throughout the day.

Date: Wednesday 13 March Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm To book your place, please e-mail theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Student Shadowing at UCP Marjons Are you in the last year of your level 3 study and interested in a course at Marjons? Come along and experience what it would be like to study the course by shadowing a current student. You will be able to spend a day with a UCP student who is studying the subject you are interested in and get a real taste of what Uni life is like.

For more information, please contact theworkspace by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 856825.

Call: 01752 856825 e-mail: theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk

theworkspace…what can we help you with? theworkspace is a drop-in centre where you can gain help in accessing a range of activities and opportunities to improve the skills employers are looking for when recruiting new staff. We run workshops which will enhance your CV, help you develop personally and support the career path you choose. We can help you with: • C.V. writing • job applications • mock interviews • interview techniques • help with business start-up and selfemployment • job vacancies • volunteering • work experience • talks from employers, social enterprises and professional institutions • your next steps in education Drop in to our office located opposite main reception at Kings Road to find out how we can help YOU with employment or self-employment.

We also run sessions at the Goschen Centre and Plymouth Adult Centre for the Employment (PACE) so please let us know if there is a workshop you haven’t seen on our programme and we will do our best to facilitate one for you.

Contact us by e-mailing theworkspace@cityplym.ac.uk or telephone 01752 856825.