College Programme Helps Local People Take Their Next Step into Employment

Over recent months, the college’s groundbreaking Job Ready programme, delivered at its Bournemouth site in partnership with the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP), local charities and businesses, has already helped 18 participants progress into jobs – several of whom are now working at the college itself – along with Specsavers, the new M&S at Branksome and Rockley Watersports.

The programme is designed to create employment opportunities for local people by combining practical employability skills with hands-on experience. Participants can also benefit from the college’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme, giving them the chance to put their skills into practice and take a positive step towards permanent employment.

One participant, Jacob, who took the ‘Administrator’ route of the programme, has now joined the college's Welcome Team, which largely serves as the first point of contact for students upon entry to the college. Jacob joined the college on 20 July with a history of working in Trades, Sales and Music Production – which, as a hobby, became something he got more involved with, leading to him organising events and marketing. He finished his course just over a month ago.

Jacob says of the programme: “There were lots of people from all parts of the world, of different ages and from all different walks of life. Some of the topics we studied included Employability, Health and Safety in the Workplace, Diversity and Inclusivity, and Manual Handling. One task we needed to do as a teambuilding activity was to make a functional chair out of balloons, 30cm off the ground, to hold the lecturers for 30 seconds. Although my team didn’t do so well, it was a really interesting exercise.”

He says of his new job: “Everyone has been so welcoming. It’s a fantastic programme and anyone can better themselves through it. It has a ‘Guaranteed Interview Scheme’, where I could build on the skills I already had in my possession and brush up on interview techniques.”

Another Job Ready success, David, is also employed at the college and is working as an Academic Support Assistant (ASA). He said: “I started the course on 13 April and it ran until 13 May. It was a five-week course. In the past, I have taught TEFL abroad for 15 years in Catalonia – Barcelona and in Girona, so I feel I can help with students who might not be able to speak in English as their first language – I speak four languages – French, Catalonian, Spanish and English – and know a little Japanese, Italian and Armenian.”

Due to start his new role at the beginning of the academic year, he added: “I feel like I’m ready to do this, I can do this, I relish the opportunity to work with students. Many have EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans), and as I spent one day a week on the programme (for four weeks in total) shadowing a different member of the ASA team, I feel I have a good understanding of what it’s like. My teaching should hopefully stand me in good stead for this. My tutor made the course really engaging, interesting and fun.”

Other participants on the programme – eight in total – went on to train ready for the M&S store opening, in advance. Furthermore, several students went on to work at Specsavers and Rockley (Activity Centre in Land, Water and Snow) as instructors, and more students are planned, with a new course launching for staff at Wagamama.

Vanessa McMullen, ESOL & Adult Education Manager, said of the programme and students: “Since introducing our Job Ready Programmes in 2024, I’ve been incredibly proud to see unemployed adults referred to us by the DWP develop their confidence and employability skills, with many going on to secure employment. Our amazing teachers are central to this success, providing the support and encouragement that helps students recognise their potential and improve their future prospects.”

The Job Ready programmes at Bournemouth and Poole College are helping to empower people across the BCP community, while supporting local businesses to develop the skilled workforce they need. Offering pathways in areas that include Retail, Warehousing and Customer Services, the programmes provide practical training designed around employment opportunities and local skills needs. By helping people gain new skills, build confidence and move into employment, the college is playing an invaluable role in supporting the local economy and wider community.