A group of 14 students, comprising recent graduates and students in their last term of study, are participating in a series of English language and job ready skill workshops at CQU Gold Coast.

The workshops are a new campus initiative designed to increase personal confidence in dealing with the stressful process of applying for and being interviewed for work opportunities.

These workshops are designed to supplement the ongoing support and advice provided by Kerri Viragh through Training Employment & Career Coaching (TECC).

The workshops are being conducted in 2-hour sessions over 4 weeks (commencing Wednesday January 10) in the English Language Centre (Rm D1) and will be delivered by the Campus Director, Associate Professor Ken Bruce.

The workshops are offered as a free service.

“Creating a confident, positive impression during the first 5 minutes of an interview is critical to a successful outcome,” says Associate Professor Bruce.

“This is a challenge and a daunting prospect for everyone, particularly if English is not their first language. The workshops are designed to develop the skills required for a person to come across as confident, knowledgeable and credible when faced with an interview situation or speaking in business.”.

The workshops include activities such as group discussion on current affairs, reading, acting in short plays, impromptu job role plays and job interviews to a ‘live’ panel.

Participants are encouraged to evaluate their own and performance and their peers as well.

It is envisioned that workshops will be offered ongoing basis at various intervals during 2007.

Photo: Kerri Viragh from Training Employment & Career Coaching (TECC).