Wednesday 24 April saw the College’s third and final CPD Day of the academic year, and it was a fantastic event!
Students could attend a variety of sessions from industry trips, to support workshops such as managing personal finance, or attend a specialist talk delivered by an employer, university or apprenticeship provider. A new Ignite Roadshow meant students were treated to an interactive workshop from Loud Speaker, who help students gain confidence through public speaking, and an inspirational talk from multi-award-winning youth practitioner James Aidoo. There were also trips to industry across Essex and London, masterclasses including signwriting by Wayne Tanwell and robot building by HYett Education.
It has been great to oversee all three of the CPD Days this year. I have seen students embrace the opportunity, push themselves out of their comfort zone, and as a result develop new skills and become more confident.
This is just one of the initiatives that we run to develop our students’ skills outside of the curriculum. Students leave the event with a sense of achievement as well as a range of transferable and technical skills that they can talk about in future interviews.
Across the academic year, students have received 18 hours of CPD training which they now have under their belts before moving on to the next stages of their career journey, whether that is university, an apprenticeship or employment.
To facilitate these days, the College has worked with over 50 different employers, universities and apprenticeship training providers to provide insightful tips, workshops and career planning to the students. These days would not have the impact and value they do without the on-going support of these companies and the relationships which our staff have built with some fantastic employers.
This year has been an incredible year, from watching award-winning speakers such as James to hosting a STEAM Roadshow in connection with the NHS and Basildon Council. Staff and students have embraced the opportunity and we have been able to offer some truly inspiring and fulfilling sessions.
The Student CPD Days benefit all students at USP College. To find out more about the courses available and to secure your place for 2024 visit uspcollege.ac.uk.