Business Leaders Inspire Business Students to Achieve Career Success
South West College in Enniskillen has recruited a network of local employee mentors to provide one-to-one support for students as part of an innovative education scheme, which aims to raise the aspirations and develop the employability skills of 16 to 19-year-olds.
The College is affiliated to the national charity, Career Academies UK to run the Career Academy programme, which provides young people with work-related experiences, including guest speakers, workplace visits and a six-week paid internship.
Northern Bank; Marks and Spencer; Fermanagh District Council; Lough Erne Hotel and Golf Resort; Belmore Court Motel; Kerry Foods; Donnelly Bros and PSNI have come on board as ‘Partners in Business’ to provide support and act as role models.
During an 18 month period, the mentors will assist the students with important employability areas such as; reinforcing classroom learning with real life examples, expanding their understanding of workplace culture and etiquette, practicing employability skills such as time management, problem solving, CV writing or interview techniques and widening their network of contacts for the future.
Yvonne Megahey, Career Academy Manager from South West College said:
“We are incredibly grateful to our network of local employee volunteers, who contribute their time and skills to make a difference to the lives of our students through the Career Academy programme. At the same time we are always looking for more organisations to offer their support, particularly with internships, so that we can offer each of our Career Academy students an invaluable experience.
“We know that building a good, supportive relationship with a Partner in Business can help these young people recognise that there are many paths to success and greatly enhance their life and career aspirations. In addition, by providing volunteers, local employers benefit from an increase in future recruits with greater workplace awareness and, at the same time, develop the leadership and management skills of existing staff.”
Aaron Love, Career Academy student said:
“I feel very lucky to have the support of a Partner in Business. Their advice and guidance will help me to stay focused and set personal goals so that I know what I need to accomplish by our next progress meeting.”
If you are interested in volunteering as part of the Career Academy programme at South West College in Enniskillen or for more information about the various volunteering opportunities available, please contact Yvonne Megahey, Career Academy Manager, tel 0845 603 1881 ext.2252 or email: yvonne.megahey@swc.ac.uk
