Professional Standards Week inspires Landbased, Environmental and Animal Care students

Landbased, Environmental and Animal Care students took part in their annual ‘Professional Standards Week’, a week focused on employability skills, exploring career options and discovering what their futures could look like. 

During the week, they took part in a series of workshops led by external speakers, helping to broaden their ideas about the industry. The sessions were designed to give them practical insight into different roles, pathways and expectations within the sector. 

We joined a selection of the workshops to hear top tips from the speakers and to see what was happening across the week. 

Interview Preparation with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 

Charlie Heap, a Support for Schools Advisor with the DWP, visited the College to deliver interview workshop sessions with students. 

These sessions gave learners the opportunity to experience what questions may be asked of them at a job interview. It also helped them understand what employers may expect and how to present themselves confidently in the current job market.  

Charlie’s advice for anyone who has an interview coming up is: “Ask your best friend what they would say about you and sell those strengths to an employer. Employers are looking for soft skills, such as teamwork, resilience, and energising your confidence, and your friends will help with that.” 

Employability Skills with SDM Training Services 

Stuart from SDM Training Services delivered an employability-focused session, encouraging students to reflect on how they can be proactive with their skills, qualities, and aspirations. 

Drawing on his experience in tailored employability training and coaching, Stuart explained how the students can build their confidence, identify potential barriers, and better understand the range of job roles and working models available in today’s market.  

The session also highlighted practical strategies for approaching job searches and preparing for the recruitment process. 

Asked for his top piece of advice, Stuart suggested: “Proactive behaviours are so key.  Don’t just sit around. You need to get out there, be inquisitive, build relationships and create new behaviours that will help you find opportunities that are closer to what you actually want.”

Understanding Conservation with Bird Wise East Kent 

Students also heard from Greg from Bird Wise East Kent, a partnership of local authorities and conservation organisations, who work together to protect wintering bird populations along the East Kent coast. 

The session focused on how students can join conservation efforts, and Greg shared his own experience of being a former student of EKC Canterbury College. He also spoke about his time at university and how studying a degree prepared him for his work today. 

Hearing Greg’s journey helped learners to understand the real impact of conservation work and the steps they could take to pursue a similar career.  

Internal sessions to enhance College skills 

Alongside the external workshops, students took part in College-led sessions, to help enhance their existing skills and to feel even more confident about their next steps.  

The week started with a ‘Future You’ workshop, encouraging them to reflect on their longer-term goals and what their next steps could look like after College. 

Our Careers Team also delivered a CV session, offering practical guidance on how to present skills and experience effectively when applying for employment or further opportunities. 

Thanks to everyone who attended or was involved with this week. Thanks to you, students now have new advice, insights, and opportunities, ensuring that they’re feeling inspired and ready for the next stage of their journey.   

If you’re interested about the employability support we offer all year round, check out our Careers and Progression page. 

You can also explore and apply for our Landbased, Environmental and Animal Care courses.