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Understanding workplace cultures, professionalism and communication skills were explored in a new programme aimed at easing the transition from education to employment.
Nine delegates have just completed the first World of Work (WoW) Academy, run by the GTA University Centre. The course teaches those entering the workplace about a wide range of issues new starters face, such as the rules and unwritten rules, rights and responsibilities at work, communicating effectively and career planning in a fast changing world.
WoW Academy tutor and learning and development consultant, Peter Le Cheminant, said the programme was about equipping new workers with the confidence, communication skills and knowledge to be proactive and successful in their chosen careers.
‘This has been an exciting and innovative course to design and deliver because it fills a gap in provision on the lifelong learning journey of the delegates and it has provoked interesting discussions about the nature of businesses and the part new employees can play in the further development of their organisations,’ said Mr Le Cheminant.
‘For me, it’s an investment into the future of Guernsey PLC because the importance of helping youngsters to get off to a flying start in their chosen field will pay dividends when these workers become the dominant group in the workplace and take on leadership and management roles.’
Andrew Cheetham, senior trust officer at Kleinwort Benson, mentored two of the delegates who were already in work. He said they developed important networking skills.
‘I started work when I was sixteen, leaving high school to pursue a career in finance; I would have found this course beneficial. I have worked with many young new starters and it is daunting to know how to get yourself out there to be noticed, to interview, to converse and apply yourself once you are successful in landing a new job. The course is potentially a solid foundation to the start of someone’s career,’ said Mr Cheetham.
Ellis Oram, 20, was one of the young people Mr Cheetham mentored. Miss Oram started work after completing her A-levels at the Grammar School. Although she has been in employment for two years, she said she still benefitted greatly and learnt about teamwork and collaboration.
‘The highlight of the programme for me was getting to work and meet with new people going through the same stage and also being able to share experiences with people that hadn’t perhaps worked as long. I really enjoyed the structure of the course and how interactive it was. There wasn’t a dull moment,’ she said.
The next WoW Academy begins on 25 October. To sign up, contact programmes manager, Michelle Morley at Michelle.Morley@gta.gg or telephone 721555.
