Careers event brings Derby’s language learning community together

Derby College Group has held a careers and wellbeing event specifically for learners looking to improve their English, build confidence and progress into employment or further study.

The college recently brought together around 200 members of Derby’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) community for the ESOL Futures event, connecting learners with employers, course advisors, health services and community support organisations under one roof.

It brought together a range of organisations and services across health, wellbeing, careers and education.

Careers advisors from Derby College Group and the National Careers Service were on hand to help visitors with CV checks, job search guidance and one-to-one appointments.

The Derby Skills Academy offered information on short construction courses including bricklaying, joinery, plastering and painting and decorating.

Held at the St James Centre, in Malcolm Street, the event was organised by ESOL lecturer and coordinator Karen Robertson.

She said: “Organising this event was about much more than putting organisations in a room together.

“It was about creating a space where members of our ESOL community could feel genuinely welcomed, informed and inspired.

“Seeing so many people walking away with new contacts, new ideas, and real confidence in their next steps made every bit of planning worthwhile.

“This is exactly what Derby College Group is here for.”

The University of Derby was also represented at the event, with curriculum leader Ciaran Fallon speaking to prospective students about routes into higher education.

He said: “Events like this are so important for breaking down barriers and reaching people who might not have considered university as a realistic option.

“We had some brilliant conversations about Level 3 and Access courses.

“These are real pathways into higher education, and it was great to meet people who are ready to take that step.”