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Thursday 19 March 2015

Careers event just the job for students



Our Division of Tourism, Hospitality and Events teamed up with UCLan Careers to stage its first ever Employers Forum.

A range of speakers delivered presentations about their companies, before offering help and advice on future career paths. Students were also given useful tips about creating eye-catching CVs and what prospective employers look for in job candidates.

Justina Ma from Marketing Lancashire opened the event, with Richard Simkin following on with an insight into his work with the Villa Group and his previous experiences in professional football.

Karen Bellew and Steph Williams explained the various options available with Merlin Entertainments, whilst Bill Jennings from Place Rec USA discussed the international opportunities available with his company.

Barry Fellowes and Wesley Royle from Hays Recruitment rounded off proceedings with an overview of how graduates should market themselves as they look for work.

Division Leader Jane Shaw said the event was a great opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of some of the challenges which lie ahead.

She said: "I'm really proud to have such great guest speakers come into UCLan and share their knowledge and experience with us. It's been a really interesting event and something we aim to build into our programmes in the future.

"We strive to give our students as much exposure to their respective industries as we possibly can whilst they're at UCLan, as we believe this is vital to their development."

Friday 13 March 2015

SSTO staff support Embed the Pathway scheme



SSTO staff have been delivering workshops across Northern England as part of the RFL's new Embed the Pathway initiative.

Lecturers David Grecic and Robin Taylor visited Castleford and Stretford Academies to conduct sessions for parents of young players who are part of professional club set-ups.

Embed the Pathway is a talent development programme aimed at raising performance levels across all junior age groups, with the ultimate goal of creating players who will help England to World Cup success in the future.

David Grecic commented: "The hope is that if parents are more aware of the issues and methods of talent development, they can play an important role in supporting their child's journey to the elite level.

"The talks were streamed live to the clubs, but parents could also come along in person if they wished. The resources and activities used during the workshops are cascaded down again and delivered by coaches at each individual club to their players."

This initiative builds on UCLan's excellent relationship with the RFL that has been developed over the last five years. UCLan is the official education partner of Rugby League Learning and delivers the UKCC Level 4 coaching award to the sport's elite coaches.

For more information about the Embed the Pathway programme, please click here.

Monday 2 March 2015

Careers Roadshow is a big hit

Over 700 students descended on UCLan to take part in an action-packed National Sports Roadshow.

The sports enthusiasts travelled from schools and colleges from all over the North West to enjoy a variety of hands-on activities.

These included practical sessions and interactive workshops in areas such as sports communications, coaching, management, science and therapy, all designed to showcase the diversity of careers available within the sports and fitness industry.

The students were also given the opportunity to test their own fitness and sports skills through elite coaching lessons and sports science laboratory demonstrations.

Nathan Browne, a 17-year-old pupil from King George V College in Southport, took part in a cycling test in UCLan's sports science laboratory which is used by professional sports teams and athletes including Wigan Warriors.

He said: "It was a great opportunity to try out some of the lab facilities at the University, as we don't have the chance to do things like this at college. The taster sessions have given me a good insight into the many possible sports related career options so I can start to focus on what I want to do."

Nathan's teacher Darren Brookfield added: "All of my students have enjoyed the event and the many activities on offer have allowed them to relate what they learn in the classroom to real-life, practical roles. They've also benefited from meeting industry professionals who've inspired the students to really push themselves."

UCLan's own students were also able to join in the activities as part of the University's Our UCLan Student Engagement Week. A host of leading sports organisations were in attendance including the Sports Therapy Association, the Institute of Coaching and Performance, Camp Leaders, PE Recruitment and Primal Health Academy.

Dr Adrian Ibbetson, Head of the School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors, commented: "We've really enjoyed welcoming so many young people who want a career in sport to our Preston Campus.

"They've been able to take part in a variety of activities in our multi-million pound facilities and meet the many industry professionals who've helped out at the Careers in Sport conference. The event has showcased just what job opportunities are out there in the sports industry."