Meldrum Academy: Expanding Employability Skills with F4S

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At Meldrum Academy, Mrs. Simone Coetser organised an insightful online career event for her students as part of their Level 4 – Steps to Work curriculum. This initiative was aimed at helping students understand the importance of soft skills, a crucial element for success in the workplace.

How the Event Worked

After attending an F4S Webinar designed to support educators in delivering career education, Mrs. Coetser booked a session with F4S). The event was hosted via Teams and lasted for 30 minutes, with two speakers each delivering a 10-minute talk followed by a Q&A session. Students participated actively, asking questions both verbally and through the chat function. One standout question asked was: “What advice would you give to your younger self?”

The Impact

The students gained valuable insights into what makes an employee stand out. The speakers provided clear examples and shared tips on interview preparation, what employers look for, and how to present oneself professionally. The students particularly appreciated one speaker’s use of a PowerPoint, which helped them better understand the information being shared.

The session helped learners understand the importance of providing concrete examples that demonstrate their skills, which will be crucial when completing their skills profiles and preparing for their mock interviews.

Mrs. Coetser shared her appreciation for the support F4S provided in setting up the event and assisting with preparation. She described the process as “relatively easy” and was excited to share the experience with her colleagues. The event’s success has sparked her interest in organising similar events for other classes.

Key Takeaways

The key messages from the event were clear: flexibility, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn are essential in today’s ever-changing job market. The students also learned that jobs evolve over time—what exists today may not have existed 20 years ago. The event also emphasised the importance of asking for help and taking responsibility for one’s actions.

This event gave Meldrum Academy students the tools and understanding they need to succeed in their future careers, and Mrs. Coetser is excited to continue providing these opportunities for her students.

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