Reading students reap the rewards from local business
The event, organised by Employee Volunteering, was run in partnership with financial services group Prudential and Reading College, and was aimed at students to promote positivity, clear and realistic goal setting and interview training.
Prudential, who run various team building days throughout the year, decided that rather than carry out manual based tasks such as community gardening or decorating, they would send 15 volunteers from the Reading branch to the college to carry out the skills-based task of mentoring and coaching students.
The students all study on a Foundation Level 1 course which concentrates on improving Maths, English and ICT as well as providing a vocational element to the course. The students were selected from Sport, Travel and Tourism and Health and Social Care pathways to talk with the volunteers from Prudential.
For two budding sports coaches the advice from their volunteer, Prudential Risk Manager Stuart Bowden, proved invaluable.
“When we were told that business people were coming to the college, I honestly thought it would be pretty boring and useless”, says Craig Jones, 18, who is studying the Sports and Leisure Foundation course.
“Instead of being lectured to, we were split into groups and had the chance to talk one to one with Stuart. He definitely gave me useful advice and positive steps to take in achieving my target of becoming a football coach.”
“We talked about my future goals and how I could achieve them”, says Kristian Invorio ,17, also studying the Sports and Leisure Foundation course.
“Stuart was really interesting and talked with us, not at us. He advised a lot of things I hadn’t thought of, such as approaching local clubs and volunteering my time rather than waiting for an opportunity to land in my lap.”
The third student of the group has the dream of becoming a singer but before talking with Stuart, did not know where to start in the highly competitive industry.
“I knew I had to make contact with people in the industry but wasn’t sure how to approach them”, says Paul Abbot, 16, who is studying the Sports and Leisure Foundation course.
“Stuart talked me through the best ways to make contact with local venues and also shared tips on how to speak to the right people. I definitely have a clearer idea in my mind on what I should do next.”
This unique training opportunity for Reading College students comes at a time when employability is key.
“From a personal perspective we wanted to prepare the students with invaluable interview training as they prepare for their Level 2 course interviews in the coming months”, says Nathan Brown, Remix and Foundation Team Leader at Reading College.
“Some of the students involved lack self-belief and confidence so get them thinking about positive affirmation was very rewarding to them and us.
“Speaking to the students they have taken many benefits from the day. They now feel that they are better suited to answer questions during an interview stage and feel more comfortable in speaking about strengths and prior experiences.”
