In 1999, Sir Jack Petchey CBE founded the Jack Petchey Foundation to provide a way of recognising and rewarding the positive contributions young people make to society. Their major programme, the Achievement Awards, is a peer-recognition scheme which operates in some 2000 education establishments, uniformed organisations, youth clubs and youth organisations in London and Essex.
Jack Petchey: ‘We do it because we want to help young people raise their aspirations, believe in themselves and make a contribution to their society’ Sir Jack Petchey CBE
Along with the Achievement Award Scheme, the Jack Petchey Foundation also operates a Leader Award giving young people the opportunity to nominate the dedication and commitment of staff and volunteers, particularly those who go ‘the extra mile’ in their support of young people.
In gratitude for the enormous amount of help and support given to students, the Students Union nominated the Coulsdon College Careers staff for a Leader Award, and as a result they have received £750 from the Jack Petchey Foundation.
The Careers Department offers help and guidance to students by:
- advising and supporting students through the university application process (UCAS)
- helping with applications to specialist colleges such as Art and Performing Arts colleges
- provide information about Gap Year opportunities
- helping with work-experience placements
- advising on job and apprenticeship opportunities
- assisting with job applications, CV writing and mock interviews
- giving individual advice and guidance to students
- producing a monthly careers bulletin for all students
In addition, Careers staff also organise trips to universities, UCAS conventions and run an outside speaker programme, where experts in specific fields come into College to talk to students about a range of higher education and career opportunities.
The team were very grateful to the students for nominating them for the Award. Zena Hole said, ‘I was personally touched that the students voted for us and it is lovely that they thought about us. We take personal pride in enabling every student to reach their potential,’ and Tina Jones commented, ‘It has been really overwhelming to have won the award. It is lovely to be appreciated and so I am personally touched by the students nominating us.’
Along with other winners from the Croydon area, Zena and Tina were invited to attend the Awards Ceremony on 6th December at The Open Door in Crystal Palace where they were presented with their certificate. They plan to spend the money on resources for the students.
The Careers Resource Centre is situated in Room 166 and is open Monday to Thursday during term-time, from 9.30am to 3pm. Students can receive advice on their next steps, whether that‘s university, apprenticeships or employment, and are guaranteed a warm welcome from the friendly qualified team.
