Employability skills event at Collyer’s

Carleigh Annetts, Kim Stamp and Shannen Cooney. Picture by Lucy Hargreaves SUS-150302-151651001

30 students participated in activities incorporating: problem solving, creative thinking, working with different people, time management, presentation skills and interactive challenges.

The event culminated with the group being split into teams, where they each worked on a presentation of their idea for something that would help the local community. Carleigh Annetts, Shannen Cooney and Kim Stamp formed the winning team, whose idea for working with the elderly won them each a £20 Amazon voucher.

In addition, Emily Scott, Kim Stamp, Sophie Ward, Chloe Lawrence and Oliver Robb were selected as five ‘stand out’ students who will now represent Collyer’s at the Starbucks follow-up event in London on 6th March, where they will receive a masterclass in interview skills and have the opportunity to discover more about employment and apprenticeship opportunities within Starbucks.

Carleigh Annetts said: “I found the workshop a really interesting and good experience. I also feel that the group presentation and workshop helped me to develop more confidence and build on my team working skills”.

Lucy Hargreaves from the college’s Progression Directorate, who helped organise the event, said: “It was great to see such enthusiasm, with the quieter students coming to the fore, growing in confidence and standing up and presenting for the first time.”

MyKindaCrowd’s inspirational Sam Michaels said: “I was hugely impressed with the ideas that came out in such a short time. They were original ideas and what was wonderful, was the fact they were utilising the skills of everyone in the group for their ‘youth challenge idea’. It was great to see students really come out of themselves throughout the session and in particular the 5 students chosen to come along on the assessment day. They showed enthusiasm, creativity, team work and a great work ethic! A very well done to all!”

Collyer’s Vice Principal, Steve Nicholls said: “Thanks to Lucy, Sam and everyone involved for making this important event possible. The skills these students are developing will prove vital in their future careers and I’m sure the five ‘stand out’ students will be great ambassadors for Collyer’s and Horsham on the 6th March.”

Report contributed by Collyer’s. Pictures by Lucy Hargreaves.