Connect Winter 2016 | Page 14

14 WINTER 2016 ROUTES TO CAREERS EVENT Students on our Routes to Careers course gained indispensable knowledge from visitors to the College from Barclays LifeSkills. LifeSkills helps young people get the skills and experiences they need to enter the world of work. Our students were shown techniques for interviews, and how to write a successful CV. The workshops also provided information about the current jobs market. Successful work experience In another example of partnership working with local secondary schools, we welcomed an extra pair of hands to our Science department at our Ayr Campus with the arrival of Kyle Academy pupil Ross Meikle. Ross emailed the department speculatively ahead of his prelims seeking an opportunity to assist in the lab. Lab technician Karen Carpenter agreed to have the 17-year-old come in one afternoon per week to help lecturers out and learn at the same time. Ross has been on work placement since August, which will add value to his UCAS application this year as he hopes to go onto university to study chemistry or biology. The experience has proven to be an extremely positive one for Ross. He said “I’ve picked up things here that I did not know before, so I feel I’ve got a bit of a head start on other applicants and know more about what I’m studying. Ever since I was very young I’ve had an interest in science. I’ve applied for drug discovery courses but I’m still waiting on offers from universities - I’m hoping for Strathclyde. “Everyone at the College has been great with me. They’ve set differen