Derwen College won a UK Career Development Award in the Careers Programme in a Special School/College category.
The College is delighted to be recognised for its innovative approach to careers development.
The UK Career Development Award recognised Derwen College’s efforts in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) towards future employment.
Derwen College is proud of its robust careers programme which includes innovative new Support Work apps. These apps are geared towards providing students with the information and skills they need to become work ready and more independent after college.
Working with app developers Starfish Labs UK, and part-funded by Marches LEP, the College has developed a CV Builder app. We believe is the first of its kind to be designed with a focus on people with SEND. The app allows users to populate a CV with minimal support, using words, Makaton symbols, videos or photographs. The app then allows students to independently send the CV to a potential employer. They can also attach video and photographic evidence of their employment skills.
Derwen College Careers teacher Siobhan Williams recently showcased the app to employers who were members of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. Employers agreed that seeing students showcasing their skills was more useful than a written list of qualifications.