Weymouth College’s Adult Education Centre
Dedicated to over 18s, for education & work
job_club@weymouth.ac.uk
Issue 23 – Dec 2021
Message from the Centre Manager, Julie Ellis
Hello, what a busy month December is! Our courses are still running and students are working hard amidst the preparations for Christmas.
I wish you all a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and look forward to seeing you at our Christmas Quiz for a mince pie and a chat!
How to change your life in 4 days …. Visit us!
Tuesday: Claire was referred by a partner organisation to update her IT skills. While here, she chatted with an advisor about the type of job she wanted. They were then able to locate a suitable opportunity at Goulds Garden Centre. The advisor printed out CVs for her and she dropped one in.
Wednesday: Claire had an interview! It was a long time since Claire had had a formal interview so our advisor gave her a practice one and some hints and tips.
Thursday: Claire was offered the job!
Friday: Claire enrolled for the IT course!
We wish her every success with her new life!
Christmas – a time to celebrate!
And what better way than to revel in some of the nice feedback we’ve had this term
‘I don’t think I have said this yet but thank you so, so, so much for your help it is really appreciated.’ Tom
‘You’ve made me feel really excited!’ Claire (about her prospects)
And sometimes nagging can pay off!
‘Thank you for pushing me, I’m so happy I passed!’ Paula
We have a lot of students who have gifted themselves a qualification for Xmas, so well done to all of them!
The Circular Shop, Lennox Street
A great way to be green! We predict we’ll be hearing a lot more about the ‘circular economy’ in 2022. Weyshare has a library of things you can borrow.
Love their slogan: Don’t buy it, borrow it!
More info on site below.
https://sites.google.com/weyforward.net/weyshare/home
Back on the Rack
In a similar vein, our very own Weymouth College have ‘Back on the Rack’ a shop where you sell your unwanted good quality clothes and hopefully pick up a bargain for yourself or friends too. More info Trish_Lea@weymouth.ac.uk
Reduce, reuse, recycle and revive the planet!
Xmas Quiz Afternoon
106 will be hosting a quiz afternoon for students on Tuesday 14th December, 3.30-5.30. We hope to see you there, but please ring to book your place – 759683 - as spaces limited.
Beauty Open Evening
Remember if you want to look good on a budget, you can make appointments at the hair and/or beauty salons. Additionally, L3 beauty students are hosting a Xmas event on 13 Dec at 1.30pm. Tickets are £3.50 and include a free gift!
Weymouth College Bay Theatre
Take in the musicals on a budget! Weymouth College students present their Showcase Spectacular! Thursday 9 December at 1.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £8. Matinee and concessions £6.
Thinking about gifting a book for Xmas?
Well here’s one Pierre liked!
Tsunami Kids: Our Journey From Survival to Success - Paul and Rob Forkan
This is a book based on the true story of four siblings who miraculously survived the Boxing Day tsunami in Sri-Lanka where they lost both of their much treasured and respected parents.
In the first part of the book we learn of the Forkan (family name) lifestyle of travel and outdoor activities like swimming, cricket and football. After a couple of taster trips they relocated to India, the children enrolled into an Indian school. They lived a lifestyle based on worldly skills which you wouldn’t get in a comprehensive in England.
The older two of the Forkan children found out that their father died first, but they had to keep this from the younger two because they were too fragile at the time. Their mother was found at a later date.
Sometime after returning to the UK the older brothers went into business. They created Gandy’s flip flops, the profits go towards supporting an orphanage in their parents memory.
In 2013 they made a gutsy return to Sri-Lanka which included some flashbacks and understandably uncomfortable moments.
This is a book which portrays how the human spirit can bring positives out of horrendous tragedy or disaster.
Upcoming Courses
English Level 1 starts 3 February
English Level 2 starts 2 February
Maths Level 1 starts 6 January 22
Maths Level 2 starts 8 February 22
ICT Level 1 starts 15 February 22
Don’t see the course you want here? Ring the centre to find out about flexible and other study opportunities. Not sure about a course? Why not attend a drop in session and find out more about what we could offer you? Ring centre to book.
IT Tip of the Month
To remove the formatting in Microsoft Word from any text, highlight the text and press the shortcut key Ctrl+Spacebar. The shortcut sets the text to the default font, removes the formatting, and even removes links.
Dates for December
December 10 - Christmas Jumper Day is a fun way for everyone in your workplace, office or school community to get involved wear a Christmas jumper and donate £2 to save the Children.
December 12 - Christmas sing along - Greenhill beach 1500 -1600
Need to be inspired for new year?
Then look no further than our students! Many are inspirational, but a special mention must go to Sylvia and Fred. Both in their 80s, they’ve successfully passed a beginners computers course and are now going on to the next level! Proving our adage, You’re never too old to be a student!
If you are seeking inspiration why not take advantage of a free career’s interview? Ring 01305 759683 to book.
Alternative Xmas?
Traditional Christmases aren’t for everyone for a variety of reasons. If you want to do something different this year, how about volunteering and making a positive difference in someone else’s life? A simple google search (which we can help with if you want) will provide a range of different options. The Big Issue also needs help at its Bournemouth Hub, travel and food provided.
A final festive joke!
What did Adam say the day before Christmas?
It’s Christmas Eve!
Nov 2021
Friends of 106 Newsletter Issue 22 – Nov 2021
We hope you enjoy this newsletter! Want more information about anything in it?
Want to contribute/get in touch/subscribe? Please email job_club@weymouth.ac.uk
Oct 2021
Message from the Centre Manager – Julie Ellis
Well what a busy start we have had to the new academic year! All courses have started and we are now enrolling students for November starts, so get in touch if you are interested.
Weymouth & Portland have numerous job vacancies at the moment so if you need help with updating your CV, applying for jobs on line or job searching we are here to help!
Don’t forget the main college site Weymouth College (Cranford Avenue) is offering a real life, as opposed to virtual, open event on Saturday 9th October. Visit our course areas, see our facilities, talk to students about life at the college & hear from staff about our range of courses.
Book your place now here:
Upcoming Courses
We have a Level 2 English course starting on 17 November and every Wednesday and Friday thereafter until 28 January. Level 2 qualifications are recognized by most large employers as the equivalent of GCSE C/4 grade so are well worth getting!
We have a Level 2 IT course and a beginners computer course, both starting in November. Our maths courses remain very full and there won’t be any vacancies for this subject until after the new year. However, anyone interested in maths can still upskill with our online learning package. Contact us for more details.
Functional Skills ICT Level 2
Learn about different Excel functions, importing text files into Excel & Access, creating queries and reports and using Mail Merge - skills needed in all administration roles and highly regarded by employers.
Jobs available now
A lot of term time roles available on Dorset for you including:
- Admin assistant, 6 hrs Westfield School, closes 8/10
- Kitchen Assistant Wyvern School, closes 6/10
- Finance Assistant, All Saints, closes 10/10
- Exam Invigilators, Wey Valley, Closes 8/10
NHS
- Decontamination Services Assistant, closes 14/10
- HCA, closes 10/10
- Receptionist, closes 5/10
- Play Assistant, closes 11/10
Dorset Fire and Rescue
- Administrator – operational effectiveness, closes 10 Oct.
Like the outdoors, animals and are practical with your hands? Then animal park maintenance co-ordinator at KMC may be just the role for you! Full details on their website.
Finally, we, Weymouth College are looking for:
- Evening cleaner (5-9pm) term time only, closes 5/10
- Bank Admin, closes 12/10
You’re not too old to be an apprentice!
While some apprentices may not be suitable for older people because of the wage, some employers are now actively looking to attract older people who may want to change careers. Check out:
- L3 Business Admin Apprentice for Aster, closes 12/10 with a salary of 18k
Also, apprenticeships in Truck Driving – how topical!
https://findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/courses/110
What’s the job market really like?
Sometimes the results can be surprising! A recent large Dorset employer advertised for an apprentice PR and communications assistant – we highlighted the role in our June issue as it was such a good opportunity and it paid well above a standard apprentice wage. After having sifted through seven applicants the first time round, the person appointed withdrew. So they then re-advertised in August. With hours to go to the deadline for applications, no one has applied. What does this say about the local job market? Are young people conditioned to expect to go university? Is the right route?
Where are they now? Stories of ex students!
Well done David who studied English with us in 2016. He went on to open, initially, an online business supplying bespoke artisan chilli sauces and on the back of this success, has now launched his own café business with his wife – full details of the story below: https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/19597796.new-weymouth-51-cafe-kitchen-shop-opens/
Book Review- Making It by Jay Blades
For anyone who has experienced prejudice or felt inadequate because of their schooling or was ‘written off’ at a young age by the system, then this is a book you will relate to. I must confess I didn’t even know who Jay Blades was but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of this powerful book. Inspiring, if you read it you will feel uplifted!
IT Tip of the Month
If you only want to screenshot part of the screen, there's a simple way to do it in Windows: Just go to "Start" and then "Snipping Tool.", you can freehand snip or use a rectangle snip.
Certificates
With the relaxation of Covid rules, certificates can now be picked up from main college site. To ensure they are available and minimise any wait time, please email Rachel_robson@weymouth.ac.uk who will confirm yours is ready for collection. Or you can request it to be posted by confirming your address and emailing exams_admin@weymouth.ac.uk
So many people work hard, pass the exams then forget to collect their certificate. If you haven’t got the certificate, then you haven’t got the qualification as you can’t prove it to employers! So remember to get yours!
This makes our jobs worthwhile!
We received the email below from an ex-student.
"Thank you for your email inviting me to join an ICT level 2 course. Since completing the level 1 course, I have started a job which entails evening work so I am unable to take up your offer. I would like to say how much I enjoyed learning with Julie and I will always be grateful to Julie, Tess, and you for making my experience with Weymouth College such a memorable one.
Thank you wonderful, kind and dedicated people at Weymouth College, you have been worth your weight in gold to me, you have made a positive difference in my life!"
Also getting jobs this month are Catherine who has secured a role with the NHS, Elizabeth who will be joining the Weymouth College team as a cleaner and Carmel who has got a job in retail. Well done, we hope the help we gave you all helped with your success.
Remember if you are an ex student, do please keep us informed if you progress on as a result of learning or help you’ve had here – we love hearing about it!
Sep 2021
Message from the Centre Manager – Julie Ellis
Hello, I hope you are all keeping well and had a good summer break. We are looking forward to seeing you for the start of the new term. If you have enrolled for a course, remember if you attend you will achieve!
Despite the challenges of the pandemic this past year our students were still committed working from home and catching up at the Centre when we reopened. They really excelled which resulted in an overall success rate of 85% which is amazing. Very well done to you all.
Courses
We are delighted that our courses are proving so popular but unfortunately it does mean that we can’t always meet need straight away. Most of our places for Sep are now filled, but our advice is to register your interest as early as you can to maximize your chances of getting the course you want when you want it. As we go to print, we still have places available for:
• Beginners English
• Level 1 English
• Flexi English
• IT at all levels
• Beginners maths
Speaking of courses - what do people do next?
Well lots of different things! Dan has gone on to an electrical apprenticeship in Bristol after passing Level 2 English and maths with us. Jess is heading off to university after achieving her maths Level 2 and Kim enjoyed her time so much at the college, she has gone on to join our team, working as a learning support assistant! That’s just a quick snapshot, but we are also pleased to welcome back students who are going on to a different subject or level
#learningneverstops!
In fact, there were an increasing number of students last year who studied all three subjects with us – well done to them! Qualifications in English, maths and IT future proof your prospects, so don’t lose those certificates! Sadly, with COVID we cannot hold our popular presentations, instead certificates will be posted out to the address students registered with. It usually takes 2-3 months for them to come through after exam completion
In case you were in any doubt about the importance of IT, as you can see from above Excel is the top digital skill sought by employers. This is covered at 106 as part of our IT course.
Volunteering – it’s not always altruistic!
We talk a lot about volunteering here at 106 and the different ways you can do this. One of our staff has been volunteering in a rather novel way - testing the COVID procedures for cruises. This involved free overnight stays in luxury rooms on the ships with all your food and drink thrown in - a tough gig but luckily they were up for the challenge! This opportunity was found on the site takepartinresearch
Stephen, one of our students, had his flowing locks cut off for the Little Princess Trust. His hair will be used to make wigs for children who have lost theirs through illness. If you can support this worthy cause, there is a sheet in reception to sign up and donate.
Make your money go further
Want to do more with your money? Well don’t forget Wisebuys if you are in Lynch Lane area. Branded foods, drinks and household items that are nearing their use by date for bargain prices! They often have a good selection of gluten free and vegan produce.
Tel 07767 102 801 for more info.
Don’t forget too, that Megabus are now running a service from Weymouth to Southampton and London with fares to London starting from £9 one way. See website for more details. www.megabus.com
Jobs available now
NHS, Administrator, closes 12/9
As and When typist, closes 5/9
Domestic Assistant, 10 hrs, closes 8/9
Dorset Council
Youth Practitioner, closes 31/12
Records Assistant, closes 17/9
Apprentice Vehicle Technician, closes 7/9
Catering Staff at Kingston Maurward, close 31/10
Other
Apprentice PR with Magna, closes 7/9
Student Support Assistants at the college, close 15/9
And of course, most hospitality venues are desperate for part time reliable staff – just do an advanced search on Indeed to see what is available.
Voluntary
Interested in the criminal justice system? Weymouth is now recruiting for magistrates. They particularly welcome applications from younger people and those from ethnic minorities as these groups are currently under represented. More information at
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/magistrate-advisory-committee-recruitment-information
or ask Heather about it
Term Time Jobs
Often sought after by parents, but it can be surprising how few apply. For example, a recent office role at a local school attracted only 12 applicants and a catering role at the college just 3 and term time evening cleaning just 2! As a general rule, if a job requires an application form, then there will be far fewer applicants.
From cleaner to Business Admin Apprentice
Vicky lost her job in an optician’s because of Covid. So she took a temporary cleaning role at the college for 3 months. Her work ethic was noticed and she was encouraged to apply for an apprentice role. So thanks to Covid, Vicky has now embarked on a change of career which she is thoroughly enjoying! So remember, you’re never too old to be an apprentice!
Hair salons at Weymouth College
Fully equipped training salons for our students will be open from 15 September, ring 01305 208927 to make an appointment. You can enjoy cheap cuts, colours and perms all under the watchful eye of experienced hair professionals and tutors.
