The Careers Centre team at Fareham College has been shortlisted at the Hampshire Education Awards 2022 in the Futures Award category.
The event, held at The Great Hall in Winchester, celebrates the contribution of staff and volunteers within Hampshire’s education system. In particular, the Futures Award category highlights the work of career advisors, teachers, and other practitioners who positively impact young people’s future career progression. The award celebrates individuals or teams who significantly impact careers information, advice and guidance (IAG), providing inspirational activities, work experience, or enterprise projects.
The team at Fareham College comprises a Careers Centre Coordinator, five Careers Centre Advisors, and SUN (Southern Universities Network) Progression Mentor, supported by Administrators. They provide a central hub for all applicants, students, staff and visitors, offering information, advice and guidance, supporting individuals to make an informed choice. The Centre is responsible for interviewing all incoming applicants for Fareham College, annual enrolment and providing support for current students during progression and destination capture, among many other activities.
Highlighted in the nomination is the commitment and dedication of staff in the department, many of whom are completing or have recently completed advanced professional qualifications, including Career Guidance and Development (level 6), Information, Advice and Guidance (level 3) and Education and Teaching (level 5).
Upon receipt of the award, the team commented, “We are delighted to have been recognised for the work that has been done this last academic year. It has been a challenging time for many students transitioning from school to college, with many experiencing large-scale disruption due to the pandemic. As a team, we are committed to supporting applicants and current students to identify their preferred route offering information and support throughout the journey.”
A central component supporting the provision of IAG at Fareham College is the partnership with the Southern Universities Network (SUN). The SUN is a collaborative partnership comprising universities, local authorities, colleges and schools across Hampshire and Dorset. The project, part of the Uni Connect programme, is a national initiative designed to increase the number of young people from underrepresented groups going into higher education.
Claire O’Neill, Head of the Southern Universities Network said, “This is a great achievement and recognises the fantastic collaborative work between the college and SUN. We’re so pleased that the amazing work of the SUN-funded Progression Mentor, Sophie, has played a part in this.”
Principal and Chief Executive Andrew Kaye commented, “At Fareham College, we operate a careers, not courses approach to further education, placing the student experience at the heart of our actions. The information, advice and guidance provided by the Careers Centre are vital in advancing this approach. The team of dedicated, personable and qualified staff uphold this vision and the College’s values throughout their work and are an asset to the organisation.”
