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South Thames College is running an innovative pilot project to introduce young people to the world of work  South Thames College is running a pilot project for student job placement. Formerly students might get a week with an employer, but that isn’t enough to either get the hang of a job and be useful to an employer, or for the student to decide whether this might be a career for the future or not.
Chris Dodd, Head of Employability at South Thames College, is pioneering a new type of qualification called “T Levels” which lasts for 45 days and is aimed at preparing students for the world of work. If this pilot project works well it will be rolled out nationwide in 2020. Chris says, “This is to prepare students for a career – it has to be a business sector relevant to their course.” He continues, “Lord Sainsbury consulted with a number of businesses, and produced a report, and this is one of the recommendations.” Young people can be unready for the world of work, so the longer placement is an attempt to assist them to gain necessary skills. Already some students (above) have been working in a gym – not just being involved in sports training, but clerical work like enrolments or marketing. STC are looking for local employers to taken on student placements. It depends on the size of the workplace but they like to place a couple of students if possible, ideally around five. There’s a big need for creative placements: art and design, journalism, film, photography and video students as these are more difficult to find vacancies, given the fluidity of the sector. Chris hopes to find a pool of employers, who will partner with STC year-on-year, to give learners an opportunity to join their workforce. Chris hopes that this will be a good introduction to the world of work, and that local employers will receive the benefit of enthusiastic workers. He stresses that the administration from the businesses’ perspective has been streamlined so there are minimum forms to fill. Some employers have been so pleased with their students that they are planning to offer them jobs at the end of the placements. Chris says, “Another innovation is doing placements now, rather than in the summer, as was traditional. This way it will be much more aligned to what they are doing on the course, and more relevant to what the students are doing.” If you are a local employer, please contact Chris to discuss student placements: Chris Dodd – Head of Employability Email: employWHS@stcg.ac.uk Tel: 0208 918 7219. Julian Jackson is Wandsworth Chamber’s blogger, whose interests encompass technology, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, the environment, as well as photography and film. His portfolio is here: https://julianj.journoportfolio.com www.brightgreenpr.co.uk www.bitcoin-consultancy.co.uk
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In October 2017, Lifetimes launched two homeless projects, Woman 2 Woman & Men Matter 2 that we would like your help with. Our aim is to end period poverty for women and men experiencing homelessness Woman 2 Woman is a project that aims to end period poverty for women currently effected by homelessness in the local area by providing a care pack, containing wipes, deodorant, socks, knickers, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and a tooth brush to those in need. We believe that these items will allow homeless women to regain some freedom and restore some dignity, basic rights we often take for granted. Men Matter 2 was born as a result of the high demand for these packs and the fact that there are more men currently experiencing homelessness than women. These packs contain similar items but the tampons/pads are replaced by a razor. CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW A SHORT VIDEO  So far we have provided 173 women and 429 men across South London with care packs that have been extremely well received. We have worked with organisations such as Glass Doors, Western Lodge, Spires, The Robes Project, Merton Faith in Action and Street Pastors. Please join our campaign to keep the conversation going by following @LifetimesNews or go to our Facebook @W2WMM2 and help us raise awareness that not everyone is dreaming of a wite Christmas. For more information and to donate CLICK HERE Ben’s Canteen hosted a large group of Wandsworth Chamber Members to unleash its own-distilled Gin this week.  Earlsfield Business Network is one of several local networks within the auspices of Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. This week was a lively networking session, held at Ben’s Canteen in Garratt Lane. Ben wanted to have a first tasting of his own-brand gin, which he has distilled on the premises, and Wandsworth Chamber sampled with delight.
It meets every second Wednesday of the month at various locations around the area. There was a quick pitch where everyone gave a 30 second outline of their business. Alexandra Wyatt, Community Engagement Manager of local charity Wandsworth Oasis organises the Earlsfield gatherings. Ben, owner of Ban's Canteen, (above) said, “I’d met a couple of gin-makers and they told me it was easy. Actually it’s a bit more complicated than that and it has taken us a good few months.” They are planning to launch their gin around the end of the month. It is a honey and orange gin, and I can personally vouch that it tastes rather good. Steve Pinto, CEO, said Wandsworth Chamber is about synergy. “There are so many synergies locally, by working with the larger organisations in the Borough, like the Power Station and South Thames College, Roehampton University and the Council. We encourage them to open up their supply chain to local companies, which is a win for all. We also run the Wandsworth Business Awards – the Gala Final is this friday. This is a great opportunity for businesses to generate extra PR.” He announced that the Chamber’s XmasDinner which is going to be held at lunchtime on 12th December at Ben’s Canteen. Note that the time has been shifted to lunchtime so as not to clash with Wandsworth Oasis’ awards ceremony which is being held in the evening. Another Chamber benefit is free 1-2-1 business coaching sessions for Wandsworth Chamber members provided by www.engineeringbusinessgrowth.com click here to find out more. Overall it was an excellent networking even, moved along with gin and some lovely food provided by the venue. Ben’s Canteen Wandsworth Oasis www.engineeringbusinessgrowth.com *** Julian Jackson is Wandsworth Chamber’s blogger, whose interests encompass technology, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, the environment, as well as photography and film. His portfolio is here: https://julianj.journoportfolio.com www.brightgreenpr.co.uk www.bitcoin-consultancy.co.uk |
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