|
Welcome to our December edition of Get Connected. This issue features an update on our new Head of Service, feedback from our Employer Insight Days, info on brand new courses for next year, and some fabulous festive fun with our STEP learners.
From all of us at MAES, we wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year!
Learners help to choose a new Head of Service!
On 13th October, MAES learners were part of an interview panel to choose our new Head of Service. Several of the learners had never had a job interview before and they found the experience useful because it gave them a much better idea of what to expect. They also said it was a good way to build confidence in speaking formal English.
One learner said she felt that her opinions were valued in the selection process. She said it was a pleasure and would definitely take part in this sort of thing again.
The successful candidate, Brian Henry, impressed learners with his confidence, his relaxed communication style and his strong commitment to adult learning. We look forward to him joining MAES in January!
Employer Insight Days
In November, we were delighted to invite nine MAES learners to join our first Make It Happen Insight Days co-designed with PwC. Over two days, learners took part in a series of sessions that aimed to explore the working environment of a large multinational business, develop their employability skills and discuss future careers and build mentoring relationships with experienced PwC professionals.
Of the experience, PwC said it was an amazing two days and they were in awe at the potential of the learners we brought along. The learners themselves called it a “life changing opportunity” which was “interesting, eye-opening and rewarding.”
If you would like to offer employer insight days to our learners, please contact emma.langlois@manchester.gov.uk for an initial discussion.
New Education and Social Care courses for the New Year!
The new year brings a new start with a range of vocational courses at our Greenheys, Longsight and Abraham Moss centres, plus lots more available online to suit busy lifestyles!
From Level 1 Teaching Assistant or Level 2 Counselling to Basic First Aid or Disability Awareness, our new course offer has something for everyone looking to re-train in Education or Social Care.
Full details of the courses can be found below:
|
|
 |
The Xmas X-Factor
On Wednesday 8th December, our STEP learners joined together as one to put on the ‘Great Christmas Sing-Along’ to raise money for City in the Community. The excitement was high as learners and visitors sang together Christmas favourites like ‘Silent Night’, ‘Let it Snow’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’. The students sang and signed using Makaton, accompanied by Amy Carrick (the new STEP team leader) on saxophone and a brass quartet.
One learner said ‘It was epic!’. Another said ‘It was warm, everyone was just loving the moment. It was good vibes. There was definitely the Christmas spirit there.’
The team were joined by old friends, Pure Innovations, our NHS partners and our colleagues in the Libraries. One of our work placement partners commented ‘We thoroughly enjoyed it, singing along and having a little dance’.
To finish with two final quotes from the learners: ‘It was 10/10 and a tiny bit more' and 'It was the best day I've had!’
Well done to all the STEP learners for a brilliant event!
|
