Welcome to the Academies
The Academies at Cirencester College bring the worlds of business and education together through a powerful academic and vocational mix. The Academies raise careers awareness and help students reach their aspirations by providing the job skills and experience valued by employers and universities. Employers influence and determine what the college offers and students are inspired by the opportunities available to them.
In a recent survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), covering almost 600 companies across all sectors, the top criteria for recruitment were:
- employability skills
- having a positive attitude
- having relevant work experience!
This picture of the employer’s view is something we have always known at Cirencester College as we have worked very closely with industry through our Academies team.
The Academies are designed for individuals with a strong determination and ambition to build a successful career. Students will be expected to articulate their career goals, take a high degree of responsibility for their own development, and demonstrate skills required by employers, such as communication and presentation skills, accuracy, teamwork, and attention to detail and deadlines.
The structure of each Academy is determined by their own employer driven Advisory Boards but in general the structure follows a national framework agreed with Career Academies UK (see www.careeracademies.org.uk). The Boards consist of a group of sector specific industry and academic representatives who meet regularly to review the Academy course content against employer needs and industry best practice.
The Academies enable students to study for A level and BTEC courses, while learning all about the skills employers are looking for. Guest speaker presentations and visits to local employers are arranged and tailored to the needs of each Academy. Students can be supported by a business mentor and have the opportunity to apply for a paid internship.
Feedback from employers on the students that did internships in 2010 this year include comment such as; “exceeded expectations” “a pleasure to work with” “100% professional” “a remarkably mature approach” “role model” “a credit to himself, his family and the College”.
Academy students get top finance tips!
1st year Finance Academy student recently benefited from a visit from two Money Advisers from the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury District Citizens' Advice Bureau.
Career Academy students graduate at ceremony in London!
Twenty-six young people from Cirencester College attended a graduation ceremony at the Institute of Education, London on 4 May 2011.
Cirencester College hold their 2nd annual Barclays Money Week
Cirencester College’s has recently held the 2nd annual Money Week helping to raise financial awareness and capability among both students and staff. Cirencester College Career Academy students get a real taste for employment
From local business networking to the heart of the City in just two weeks, Academy students from Cirencester College have gained invaluable experience in engaging with the world of business, helping to raise their personal aspirations and improve their employability skills.
Stroud and Swindon Building Society impressed with Cirencester College Academy students!
Career Academy students at Cirencester College were invited to apply for part-time work with the Stroud & Swindon Building Society, who themselves have only recently merged with the Coventry Building Society. Students Learn New Skills in Academies Week
Cirencester College Academy students enjoyed another action packed 'Academies Week' before Christmas, in which students developed their employability skills through a variety of activities, talks and workshops.
Marketing graduate represents Career Academies UK at Welsh Launch
Charley Ridley, graduate of the Cirencester College Marketing Academy from 2010, was recently honoured to represent Career Academies UK at the launch of Cardiff's largest college, Coleg Glan Hafren's Career Academy programme.
Cirencester College’s first set of budding entrepreneurs join new Business Academy
Following a competitive and demanding interview process, 20 students out of 37 applicants have been selected to join Cirencester College’s prestigious new Business Academy.
Highlights of Science and Technology Week at Cirencester College
Over 250 Science and Technology students took park in an action packed week of activities aimed at increasing awareness in science-related career opportunities. Academy students raise their career aspirations!
Cirencester College Academy team recently ran a second week of exciting and informative activities for their academy students.