Students from St Vincent in Gosport help to provide community care, while college adapts to home study

Access students currently applying their new skills to real-life care environments include Chloe Corkhill, who is caring for the vulnerable in their homes as a Community Healthcare Support worker, and Becky Galvin, who is working as a Bank Healthcare Assistant at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, supporting patients with personal care and conducting observational checks.

‘Every day we are hearing of the contributions being made by students, past and present, to the fight against COVID-19’, says Principal Andy Grant.

‘Former student Wayne Coates has dedicated his signage business, P&P Signs, to providing NHS staff with visors, while Health and Social Care students have volunteered to work in partnership with The Society of St James to feed vulnerable families.

‘We’ve even had individuals step outside their studies, such as photography student Zoe Bovill, who, in addition to her college work, is helping at her local nursing home.’

Meanwhile, the college itself has adapted to new ways of providing resources, support and guidance to ensure students feel engaged and confident in pursuing their studies, including tips on home study and well-being, online meet-ups and access to tutors.

Open Evening

Whether the college is able to hold its planned Open Evening, observing social distancing guidelines, on June 23, or if it will launch a series of online events from that date for those interested in exploring the college, has yet to be confirmed.

‘We are planning for both scenarios, so ask prospective students to check with our website and social media,’ explains Andy.

Support in the workplace

In addition to maintaining its current activity, St Vincent College has also been strengthening its provision in Adult Education from September, after businesses have assessed the impact of COVID-19.

‘Whether people will be looking to strengthen their CVs for a change in career or qualifications to support their current roles, we are offering new and exciting courses both online and on campus,’ explains Lynsey Skaskiewicz, Business Liaison Coordinator.

‘Courses such as ‘‘Employability Essentials’’ are designed to support professional development with nationally-recognised qualifications and local support from our tutors.

‘We are also engaging with local businesses to learn how we can widen and strengthen employee skillsets.’

Applications and career advice

School leavers are being given the best possible guidance for their successful progression to college in September.

‘We have been proactively putting ourselves forward online to ensure that every young person who is coming to study with us has the support they need to move forward,’ says Transition and Progression Manager, Alistair Lambon.

‘We are conducting digital and phone interviews, and making plans to open our career guidance services to the local community in the coming months.’

To find out all St Vincent College can offer or to apply online for September, visit www.stvincent.ac.uk.