Pupils develop vital skills at mock assessment centre with experts

The talented RSA team of professionals who ran the workshop were: Smita Warren (Deputy Actuarial Manager), Mel Jones (Product & Pricing Development Consultant), Arun Nair (Senior Analyst), Sue Boulter (UK Risk Governance Manager) and Gill Griffiths (Underwriting Analyst).

Twenty four Collyer’s students from BTEC Level 2 Business Studies and BTEC Level 2 IT took part in a series of fast-paced practical activities, group exercises, interviews and presentations.

The experts from RSA were on hand to give the students valuable feedback throughout the rigorous process.

Collyer’s Lucy Hargreaves, from the college’s Progression Directorate said: “The day was a massive success and huge thanks to Smita and the RSA team.

“The students were certainly able to develop vital skills that will help build their confidence and career prospects in the future.”

Six students will be selected to participate in work experience for a week in July. They will take part in a full range of activities in the Horsham and London offices, to provide them with an insight to working within the Insurance sector.

Senior Tutor Ian McAlister said: “Huge thanks to our Lucy Hargreaves for co-ordinating this event with the experts from RSA. The experience was invaluable for our students and I know that they really enjoyed the day!”

In addition to the Mock Assessment Centre, record numbers of students have taken part in a numerous progression activities throughout the year.

These have included HE and Oxbridge conventions, employability skills and management workshops and numerous events in conjunction with Outreach International, ‘My Kinda Crowd’, The National Careers Service, ‘Not Going to Uni’ and The National Apprenticeship Service.

In the next few weeks Collyer’s will also be hosting two Higher Education Evenings, a Planning Your Future Day and the annual “Challenge of Management” competition at South Lodge.

Collyer’s Assistant Principal, Melanie Russell was delighted: “This event is just one of many that the students will have in the coming months, to help them make the right decision for their futures. Many thanks to RSA for demonstrating such a commitment to help the next generation – they’ve been wonderful! We should also commend our students who responded exceptionally well to the challenges today.”