The event began with a presentation from the College’s Dean of Higher Education, Ramita Tejpal. She congratulated the students on their fantastic achievements over the year and reminded them of the fantastic opportunities our Career Advantage Scheme can bring, particularly with regards to progression to higher level courses and into the job market.
The Career Advantage provides students on all full-time vocational courses the opportunity to gain crucial skills required by employers and universities. It enables them to build a portfolio of work to show their social, entrepreneurial, digital and employability skills and competencies and gives them that all-important competitive edge when applying for jobs and higher education opportunities.
Students from a range of different courses such as health and social care, applied sciences, motor vehicle, construction and the built environment and business were amongst those receiving their certificates.
Betty McDonald, from London Borough of Bromley's Youth Services Department, and Jane Dowden, Education Manager at the British Science Association, presented the students with their certificates at the ceremony.
Taking to the stage, Betty told the audience: “The work you have engaged with on the Career Advantage will give you just that - an advantage in your career. It will help you focus on the specific competences that are required to actually perform well in a job. It also helps with your social and communication skills, your entrepreneurial awareness and above all, it will give you confidence.”
Jane added: “Although achieving highly in your exams and getting the best possible grades and qualifications is important, it is not the ‘be all and end all’ to being successful. When employers are shortlisting and interviewing potential candidates, they don’t just look at their qualifications. They look very closely at the candidate’s aptitude and enthusiasm, their willingness to take part, think on their feet and how well they present themselves. This scheme teaches you all about that and is an excellent way of building up those ‘extra’ qualities that employers and universities appreciate. You have all given yourselves a great advantage and a huge boost.”
If you would like to know more about our Career Advantage Scheme or learn about the range of vocational courses, higher education programmes and apprenticeship opportunities we can offer you at London South East Colleges, come along to one of our open events. Click here to learn more.
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