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Mark and Andi get job security thanks to college course
Two adults looking for a career change have secured employment thanks to a course at South Essex College which is free for the unemployed.
Mark Robinson and Andi Coombe, both from Southend, studied the iLearn Security Multiple Level Award course and are now employed by Stambridge Security.
ILearn courses are free to those in receipt of certain unemployment benefits and are a quick way of gaining industry-based qualifications in a wide range of subjects.
Mark had spent his life as an artist, but after the death of his mum three years ago he wanted to do something that helped people. Andi was a hairdresser, but she left school early without any qualifications and her early job experiences knocked her confidence.
Both enrolled on to the short 17-day course where they gained the skills and qualifications they needed for employment.
Mark said he hasn’t looked back since doing the course.
He said: “I wanted to get my SIA Security badge which would give me many more options for job opportunities and it was suggested that I apply to do an iLearn Security course at South Essex College.
“The tutors were amazing and made you feel comfortable right from the start. They managed to bring out something in me that I think had always been there but just needed a push.”
Andi agreed and added: “Going to the college is the fastest and best way to get a badge.
“The course really brought out my people skills and I finished feeling much more confident . I am definitely a bit more extrovert which allows me to deal with people much better.”
Mark and Andi have both gone on to working full-time for Stambridge Security doing a wide range of stewarding and security jobs which range from big events such as concerts and festivals to security work for large and small businesses and charities.
Jamie Spiers, Stambridge Director, said the course was a fantastic way to get the qualifications to enter the industry.
He said: “The course equips people with the skills employers in this field look for which is obviously extremely important.
“To have people come to us with a SIA licence among other skills makes them ideal candidates.”
Courses are available in a number of areas including childcare, forklift, health & social care, hospitality, accounting, office skills, IT, and goods vehicle driver (CPC).
For more information about these courses, visit www.southessex.ac.uk or contact the Workforce Adult Skills team on adultskills@southessex.ac.uk or call 01702 220409
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
Celebrating Success 2022: Sophie Peacock
Course studied
Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.
Sophie Peacock, 17, from Billericay, studied the Level 3 Creative Media (Television and Film) Diploma at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her good level of organisation and commitment to every task as well as being a mature, professional and articulate student.
Her tutor said: “Sophie takes advantage of every opportunity available to her both in college and outside, as she understands the value and benefits it will provide her with, in terms of networking, communicating, professionalism and improving her knowledge and skills. She is an absolute pleasure to have in the classroom and I hope she goes on to achieve great success.”
Sophie chose to study at the college because she liked the facilities that were available for her course.
She has loved the amount of creative freedom that the course has offered and being able to create any ideas and turn them into a reality with the support of her tutors.
Sophie was really proud and a little bit overwhelmed about winning the award.
She said: “I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.”
Sophie’s ambition for the future is to become a producer on the set of a live entertainment program.
