South Devon College leads the way in helping student get 'work ready'
The new course aims to show initiative by the pupils and follows feedback from employers
Other places could now follow South Devon College's example - after it unveiled a first-of-its-kind six-week course to help youngsters get 'work ready'.
Course lead Johannah Pettet says it follows feedback from employers, adding: "For many (youngsters) they haven’t been able to get Saturday jobs and might not have had the chance to do a work experience, like we would have done, before they enter the work place."
She says the course is about showing youngsters how to thrive from day one - and help them to make a positive initial impression - with employers expected to appreciate the time they've invested in the course, which they undertake on top of other studies.
Ms Pettet added: "One of the main ones that comes up from employers is honesty but also team work and 'having a go' so grit, resilience and initiative is a big one - ie if you're not doing anything don't sit there and get your phone out."
Amelia, 16, wants to enter the construction industry and was one of the first to sign up for the new course. She said: "My first job was with my parents' business as I just couldn't get weekend work because there wasn't anything available - and it's really hard now to find work in the lower age group or my age group."
"For some it's just not knowing what to expect or what to do when you walk into your working experience."
Collete Dalton, from South Devon College, says those who take part in the course really stand out to employers, adding: "I was a senior sales coordinator before I landed this role.
"One of the biggest barriers was that the students or young people just aren't ready for work they're not ‘job ready’.
"It would cost them in time to mentor them and this course shows they're willing to do extra activities to help themselves learn."
Ms Pettet, the placement and work experience lead, added: "Employers consistently report that core employability behaviours - such as communication, reliability, teamwork, and professionalism are the main reasons young people aren’t getting and keeping jobs.
"Changes in technology, a lack of Saturday job opportunities, living in an ‘instant everything at your fingertips’ generation and community moving online have contributed to some young people needing to learn work skills and behaviours.
"In response to this issue South Devon College realised that something needed to be done to help young people. "
The bespoke pilot programme is called the Student Talent and Skills Matching Programme and is designed to improve apprenticeship recruitment, retention, and outcomes across the construction sector. The first graduates of the course were unveiled at a special event overnight as part of National Careers Week.