Electronic Precinct - February 1996

STRAIGHT TO SUCCESS

The course, based at the Centre for Continuing Education, is offered to women residing in Merseyside or Cheshire and consists of a combination of open learning and tutor led workshops as well as information technology sessions. The open learning aspect of the course enables women to join the course having already completed some work, as well as providing a gentle introduction to the key subject areas. This has proved to be an effective way of allaying pre-course nerves, so that women arrive at the workshops with a clearer idea of what is expected of them.

One of the main aims of this initiative is to provide support to individuals before, during and after course completion. All too often women enrol on courses which improve their skills and build up confidence, only to find that their confidence disappears once they have left the support network they were so much a part of. By offering ongoing support this can be avoided and women can use the course as a stepping stone to greater things.

Rapid changes in the labour market mean there is a continuing need for individuals to update and improve their skills, thus making themselves more competitive and able to adapt to change. The courses are tailored to such demands by incorporating modules such as confidence building, personal effectiveness, career counselling, and change management into courses.

Following the course, women have the opportunity to complete a six month placement within a University department. This presents a chance to update professional skills and learn about technological changes which may have taken place during an absence from the workplace, as well as providing women with recent experience and references.

If you are a woman who has been out of the work place for at least six months and would like to take control of your career, or you are a member of staff within the University and have a placement opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact Claire Laws Tel: (0151) 794 2552.