Orchard Hill College students boost employability skills through new JCP workshops

Students are building their future and benefitting from a new series of employability workshops delivered in partnership with the Job Centre Plus (JCP), designed to prepare young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) for the world of work.

The programme features a schedule of focused sessions, including digital footprint, self-branding, navigating the job market, understanding transferable skills, exploring success profiles and developing interview techniques.

Delivered in a group, the workshops combine presentations, role play and practical activities to support meaningful and accessible learning for the students.

The initiative has already seen success across the Sutton region, with plans to roll the sessions out in the Kingston and Hillingdon region next, before expanding across all Orchard Hill College regions.

Kerry Macey, Head of College in Sutton region, praised the impact of the programme so far, highlighting how valuable the sessions have been in preparing students for their employment journey. She says: “The course has been incredibly supportive for our students and is really helping them get ready for job applications, interviews and starting in the workplace.”

The JCP partnership complements the Orchard Hill College WorkStart programme which provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience and qualifications. The new employability workshops mark an important step in strengthening employability pathways and ensuring Orchard Hill College students are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in work.