The Bournemouth & Poole College has launched its own jobs hub to help students to brush up on their interview technique and transition into the world of work.
The College has created branches of The BASE, which stands for business, apprenticeships, skills and employability, at their Poole and Lansdowne sites to allow young people and mature students to speak to experts about their future career paths.
Students can look at jobs boards placed on the walls around the large open space, use the bank of computers which have The College’s software and specific jobs skills programmes, and speak to the several members of staff about available opportunities in the community.
Matt Butcher, head of The BASE, said: “The BASE is here to meet the ever-increasing need to make sure that our students are completely prepared for the world of work. The idea was to create a space that students will drop into, where they can approach and meet experts to help them produce a high standard CV.
“Employability coaches are also on hand to advise students how to improve their interview technique and making sure that their social media profiles are appropriate for the industry that they are going into. This goes right down to making sure that their handshake is up to scratch, by offering employability workshops that cover these key areas.’’
Matt said that staff will work with students to ensure their CV is ready for interviews, which includes focusing on the transferable skills that employers really want.
The BASE team also work closely with all local businesses to find work experience placements. This means that feedback is able to be given directly from the employer, to say what skills an ideal candidate should have.
Callum O’Connor, 19, a second-year student on the BTEC extended diploma in mechanical engineering level 3 course at The College’s North Road site, said: “The BASE is a bright, welcoming and friendly environment. All of the staff are very level-minded and easy to talk to when seeking guidance for any job related issues.
“Previously I have received help with CV work, work experience and university applications as well.’’
Theo Jeffries, 19, who is also a second-year student on the BTEC extended diploma in mechanical engineering level 3 course at The College’s North Road site, added: “We can use the computers in The BASE and it creates a better working environment for us. I can also use the area to work on assignments and discuss it with friends, which I wasn’t able to do before in the library without interrupting others.’’
