Employment Support Overview
We offer specific courses that are designed to prepare those out of work for job hunting. This includes developing their knowledge and skills to actively promote themselves to employers, complete outstanding applications and ace an interview!
Supporting our learners to progress into and within work is at the heart of our offer as a College. Not only do we embed employability and personal development skills support into our courses, we also work with agencies such as Job Centre Plus and other employment support services to provide bespoke support.
We also offer specific courses that are designed to prepare those out of work for job hunting. This includes developing their knowledge and skills to actively promote themselves to employers, complete outstanding applications and ace an interview!
Our offer to you:
- Courses to develop your employment prospects and confidence;
- Facilities and use of ICT to search and apply for jobs
- Additional learning support
- Help with the cost of childcare while you study
- Help with the cost of course and college related expenses
Click here to apply
Inner Strength for Professional & Personal Growth Interview Skills Programme
Take a deeper dive into confidence building with this comprehensive programme. Master goal setting and achievement, while learning to handle criticism constructively. Develop the skills to deliver impactful presentations and public speaking engagements. Explore all the elements covered in the “Embracing Self-Confidence” program, plus additional modules on crafting realistic goals, using feedback for growth, and mastering confident body language.
This program is your confidence-building roadmap to becoming your best self. The course is delivered at Southcote Community Hub.
Starting:
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From 9th November 2024 to 18th October 2024, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
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From 24th April 2025 to 23rd May 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Office Productivity: Master MS Office Software (Short Intensive) Course
Brush up on essential Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook, and more. Create professional documents: Learn formatting, mail merge, and advanced features in Word. Manage projects and budgets: Master Excel for spreadsheets and financial planning. Navigate email and collaboration tools: Utilize Outlook or Google Apps for communication and scheduling. Embrace cloud storage: Explore OneDrive or Google Drive for secure file management. This course takes place at New Directions College and Southcote Community Hub.
Starting at New Directions College:
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From 17th March 2025 to 26th March 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays
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From 30th June 2025 to 9th July 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays
Starting at Southcote Community Hub:
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From 4th June 2025 to 13th June 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Business Communication Essentials (Short Intensive) Course
Master communication in any setting: Learn effective strategies for both in-person and virtual meetings and presentations. Develop your delivery skills: Hone your communication style for impactful presentations. Collaborate with confidence: Foster productive communication during meetings. Understand British workplace culture: Gain insights into dress code, values, and nonverbal communication.
Master agendas and note-taking: Efficiently manage meeting flow and record key points.
These programs will help you confidently navigate the digital landscape and excel in your new career path!
Starting at New Directions College:
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From 3rd December 2024 to 12th December 2024, 9:30 – 12:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Starting at Southcote Community Hub:
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From 2nd July 2025 to 11th July 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Retail Programme
This course equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic world of retail. You’ll gain skills in:
Retail Fundamentals: Grasp the core principles of retail operations, from understanding customer behaviour to effective inventory management.
Customer Service Excellence: Develop exceptional communication skills to build rapport, identify customer needs, and deliver a truly positive shopping experience.
Selling Power: Master proven sales techniques, including identifying buying signals, upselling and link selling, and closing the deal.
Conflict Resolution: Learn effective strategies for handling difficult customers, de-escalating complaints, and reaching solutions.
Cash Handling Essentials: Gain confidence in handling cash transactions efficiently and accurately.
This intensive programme is perfect for:
- Individuals seeking a career in retail with no prior experience.
- Anyone looking to refresh and enhance their existing retail skills.
- Those interested in upskilling for better career prospects within the retail sector.
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the confidence and knowledge to thrive in the fast-paced world of retail. This course is delivered at New Directions College and Southcote Community Hub.
Starting at New Directions College:
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From 21st October 2024 to 25th October 2024, 9:30 – 15:00 Monday to Friday
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From 31st March 2025 to 3rd April 2025, 9:30 – 15:00 Monday to Thursday
Starting at Southcote Community Hub:
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From 6th November 2024 to 6th December 2024, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Aspiring Team Leader in Service and Retail Course
This course equips you with the practical skills and knowledge to become a successful team leader. You’ll learn how to:
Empower Your Team: Unlock the best in your team by identifying and leveraging their strengths and transferable skills.
Develop Team Growth: Master strategies to guide and nurture your team members’ individual growth.
Navigate Difficult Conversations: Communicate effectively and constructively in even the most challenging situations.
Motivate and Inspire: Develop your leadership style to motivate and inspire your team towards shared goals.
Maximise Potential: Recognise and maximise the potential of each team member, ensuring everyone thrives.
This programme is ideal for:
Individual who is ready to take the next step or interested in exploring what it is like to lead a team. Individuals seeking a leadership role within their organisation.
Anyone looking to refine their leadership skills for greater impact.
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the confidence and tools to become a leader who empowers, motivates, and maximizes the potential of your team. The course is delivered at New Directions College and Southcote Community Hub.
Starting at New Directions College:
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From 4th November 2024 to 7th November 2024, 9:30 – 15:00 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
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From 2nd June 2025 to 5th June 2025, 9:30 – 15:00 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Starting at Southcote Community Hub:
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From 8th January 2025 to 31st January 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
CV Writing and Career Planning Workshops
This course is a short, intensive programme designed to help learners write an effective CV and personal statement, investigate and assess potential career options and plan a career through setting appropriate career goals. The course will cover a variety of topics, including:
- Job search skills
- Self-assessment
- Career exploration
- Career planning
- Workplace safety
- Self-reflection and transferable skills
The course will be delivered at New Directions College South.
Starting:
- From 14th October 2024 to 17th October 2024, 9:30 – 15:00 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- From 2nd December 2024 to 5th December 2024, 9:30 – 15:00 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Interview Skills Workshop
This is a short intensive programme focusing on providing essential strategies to improve confidence in job interviews. Enhancing confidence, refining communication, and understand how to showcase one own skills to secure the job. All sessions are delivered at New Directions College South.
Starting:
- From 3rd October 2024 to 8th October 2024, 9:30 – 15:00 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- From 9th December 2024 to 11th December 2024, 9:30 – 15:00 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- From 17th March 2025 to 20th March 2025, 9:30 – 15:00, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- From 19th May 2025 to 22nd May 2025, 9:30 – 15:00, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Service Excellence Bootcamp Telephone Etiquette
Master the art of phone communication and turn every call into a positive experience in this intensive bootcamp. This program equips you with the skills to excel as a call centre representative, delivering exceptional customer service over the phone. You’ll gain Skills in:
- Effective Telephone Techniques
- The Art of Phone Customer Service
- Understanding Customer Types
- Best Practices for Voicemail & Transfer
- The Power of Vocal Delivery
- Ownership in Every Call.
This programme is ideal for:
- Individuals interested in a career in the call centre industry or developing their telephone communications skills for working in an office environment.
- Anyone looking to improve their phone communication skills for customer service roles.
By the end of this course, you’ll be confident handling calls, equipped to deliver service excellence on every call. Classes are delivered at New Directions College South and Southcote.
Starting at Southcote:
- From 5th February 2025 to 14th February 2025
9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
Starting at New Directions College South:
- From 9th June 2025 to 12th June 2025
9:30 – 13:30 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Digital Teamwork: Mastering Online Apps
Collaborate seamlessly online and learn to set up meetings on Zoom, Google Meet or Teams.
- Present like a pro: utilise built-in features for impactful virtual presentations.
- Communicate effectively: discover techniques for taking notes, and upholding online meetings etiquette.
- Boost engagement: explore tools like Mentimeter for interactive meetings.
Classes are delivered at New Directions College South and Southcote.
Starting at New Directions College South:
- From 21st October 2024 to 25th October 2024
9:30 – 15:00 Monday to Friday - From 31st March 2025 to 3rd April 2025
9:30 – 15:00 Monday to Thursday
Starting at Southcote:
- From 26th February 2025 to 7th March 2025
9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays - From 18th June 2025 to 27th June 2025
9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Embracing Self-Confidence
Launch your confidence journey with a powerful 3-day program. Explore core concepts like self-worth, positive body language, and resilience. Learn to identify limiting beliefs, cultivate optimism, and find your purpose. Develop effective communication skills for all situations and emerge feeling ready to conquer your goals. All classes are delivered at New Directions College South.
Starting:
- From 9th September 2024 to 12th September 2024
9:30 – 15:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - From 14th January 2025 to to 28th January 2025
13:00 – 16:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - From 28th April 2025 to 19th May 2025
9:30 – 15:00 on Monday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764