Students can now take part in a programme to help them get ready for the world of work. 

Havering College of Further and Higher Education has launched a new Ready for Work Passport programme, which has been designed in response to the top ten skills employers look for when they recruit.

All students will undertake the programme alongside their main course of study and those who complete all five modules will achieve the Havering College Ready for Work Passport award to show they are employable.

The college has worked in partnership with LifeSkills Barclays to develop the scheme which has been unveiled to students across all college campuses in Hornchurch, Harold Hill, Rainham and Brentwood.

The Our Talented Future employment consultancy is also supporting the delivery of the scheme.

The Passport covers such skills as communication, confidence, resilience, CV writing, personal statement writing, interview success and money management.

Havering College Enterprise Hub co-ordinator Dolly Odebode said: “The Ready for Work Passport has been designed in response to a survey conducted with employers who stated the top ten skills they are looking for when they are recruiting staff.

“The purpose is to encourage and develop the employability skills of Havering College students so that when they go to a potential employer they are ready with all the skills they need to apply with confidence.

“Our students will be able to prove to an employer they are job ready and are a more suitable candidate than anyone else. Those applying to university will benefit too.”

Students will also work to achieve good academic performance in maths and English and complete Havering College’s Certificate in Enterprise to prepare them for the option of self-employment or running their own business.

Speaking at the college’s Ready for Work Passport launch event, Faye Jordan - senior programme manager for LifeSkills created with Barclays – said: "We are really thrilled to be working with Havering College on the roll out of the Ready for Work programme. It is a fantastic initiative to support college students in getting ready for work.

“We are delighted the LifeSkills resources will form a central part of this activity. It's a great way for teachers and their students to find out how they can do more to improve their employability skills. I really hope it will give all the students a massive boost."

Adam Watling, co-founder of Our Talented Future, said: "I think the Ready to Work Passport scheme is a fantastic initiative and it is great to see Havering College offering this opportunity to their students. With the support of Barclays and Our Talented Future I am sure that the process will enable all involved to enhance their chances of finding work and having a successful career in whatever field they choose."

For further information on all courses at Havering College, call our admissions team on 01708 462801, email information@havering-college.ac.uk or see www.havering-college.ac.uk