Personal help when you need it
Student Services are now providing greater support and more information than ever:
- a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere
- open access 8.30am to 4.30pm every day
- drop-in enquiry service
- receptionist service
- dedicated specialist staff
Student Services houses a very well-stocked and up-to-date resource centre as well as a suite of rooms for careers groups, tutorial sessions, counselling and consultation interviews.
We are continually developing new programmes and opportunities in response to your suggestions. Present services include:
- short, general career management courses and extended, specialised Professional Programmes
- individual careers guidance interviews
- support with H.E applications
- full and part-time local and national vacancies
- access to careers, employment and Higher Education Events
- work experience
- employment and community links
- counselling services
- faith support
- health advice, weekly Time4U Clinic
- voluntary work opportunities
- gap year information
The College works closely with the Connexions Service, an advice and guidance service for young people in England. Personal Advisers enhance the effective support already provided in the College.
There is continuous use of the Internet in Student Services for Higher Education and job information. Applications to University and Colleges Admissions Service can be made through UCAS Apply, a web-based application system.
Counselling
A qualified counsellor, working to the Association of Counsellors code of ethics, provides a confidential service for issues such as: stress, personal development, mental health, relationships and bereavement.
The College also has links with professional and voluntary support groups, including v-involved (an organisation that matches students with volunteering opportunities) and WASP (Worcestershire School Area Project) for faith support
Faith Support
A team of priests offer friendship, encouragement and support together with spiritual guidance. Such listening and understanding is open to people of any faith or none.
Time Out for students
Every Wednesday lunchtime Student Services aoffers a range of drop in services.
- You can talk in confidence with the counseller about any issues that are troubling you
- You can gain confidential advice on contraception or be issued with emergency contraceptives via Time4U
- You can gain help with giving up smoking
- You can find out about welfare and accommodation or talk in confidence about financial issues
- You can gain help and advice if you are affected by substance misuse
- You can pick up information on study abroad, gap year or volunteering activities or seek careers advise
No appointments are necessary - just drop in and see an advisor or counsellor. Student Services also co-ordinates a themed event each half-term such as Chlamydia testing, green/ethical clothing and travel, drug and alcohol awareness or safe summer sun.
Time4U Clinics
In agreement with South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, a qualified sexual health nurse is on hand once a week to offer confidential health advice. They have experience in a wide range of issues, including: life styles, health matters and sexual health.
Student Ambassadors
A small group of second year students provide support throughout the year with College events. Ambassadors can opt for further training to mentor students, for example, where they are the only one from their school or friendship group transferring from high school to College.
Work Placements
- We organise approximately eight hundred placements a year
- Work experience is a compulsory element of vocational courses such as BTEC First and National Diplomas
- Careers-related work placements are available on an optional basis for all students
- Such placements are designed to meet your individual needs and are discussed with a Work Experience Adviser
- Placements are found not only within the county but throughout the UK and abroad with Birmingham and London being especially popular
- It is possible for Access students to follow an OCN accredited career management programme and work experience can give the opportunity of gaining portfolio evidence for the health studies option
When students leave us
What to do and where to go after College are questions that have to be faced. We work closely with the Worcester Connexions whose advisers provide excellent on-site support for 16-19 year olds
Many of our students go on to universities and colleges throughout the country and individual help with the UCAS application is given. Some go into employment or take up a training opportunity, helped by our high reputation with local employers and businesses. Others take a year out before Higher Education: recent experiences include teaching music in India, missionary work in Africa and Raleigh International in Zimbabwe
