Posted: 18/01/12
Higher education students get active
Students on university-level courses at Vision West Notts took part in a range of activities designed to boost their job prospects while having some fun and volunteering in the community.
‘Activity Week’ (9-13 January) gave learners studying HNDs, HNCs, foundation degrees and full honours degrees the chance to take part in sessions aimed at improving their employability and study skills, and social events offering the chance to mix with fellow students.
Engineering and fashion students learned about local industry during a visit to Forest Town-based fashion textiles manufacturer Toray Textiles, while computing and interactive media students went behind-the-scenes at Mansfield’s Linney Design.
The National Grid’s graduate development manager Craig Smith spoke about the skills and experience that employers seek in graduates, and seminars by the college’s study skills coach gave tips on assignment-writing and research.
Relaxation was provided in the form of massage and reflexology sessions by college beauty therapy students while a ‘boot camp’, Zumba and body workout classes in the college gym gave others the chance to burn some calories. Other events included a cheese and wine tasting evening at the college’s Number 19 Brasserie and a pub quiz at the Late Lounge bar and restaurant in Mansfield.
Meanwhile, students took part in volunteering projects including clearing the gardens at Mansfield Baptist Church and helping redecorate South Mansfield Community Centre and Mansfield Christian Community Centre.
Head of higher education and international studies, Eleanor Taylor, said: “This year, more than ever, we had a particular focus on graduate employability skills and were lucky to have tremendous support from local employers.
“Some of these included previous students who gave our current groups a valuable insight into the skills, qualifications and attributes they are looking for in graduate recruits. This was balanced with a lively mix of social activities, which form a major part of our higher education provision at college.
“Our university-level students gave us excellent feedback on the activities provided and I look forward to some of them returning as successful employees and employers to address our next generation of graduates.”
More information about the college’s university-level programmes:
‘Activity Week’ forms part of the college’s higher education provision, which offers affordable university-level courses to the local community. For further details visit www.wnc.ac.uk or call the HE team on 01623 627191 ext. 8092.
