Employment Support Overview
We offer specific courses that are designed to prepare those out of work for job hunting. This includes developing their knowledge and skills to actively promote themselves to employers, complete outstanding applications and ace an interview!
Supporting our learners to progress into and within work is at the heart of our offer as a College. Not only do we embed employability and personal development skills support into our courses, we also work with agencies such as Job Centre Plus and other employment support services to provide bespoke support.
We also offer specific courses that are designed to prepare those out of work for job hunting. This includes developing their knowledge and skills to actively promote themselves to employers, complete outstanding applications and ace an interview!
Our offer to you:
- Courses to develop your employment prospects and confidence;
- Facilities and use of ICT to search and apply for jobs
- Additional learning support
- Help with the cost of childcare while you study
- Help with the cost of course and college related expenses
Office Productivity: Master MS Office Software (Short Intensive) Course
Brush up on essential Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook, and more. Create professional documents: Learn formatting, mail merge, and advanced features in Word. Manage projects and budgets: Master Excel for spreadsheets and financial planning. Navigate email and collaboration tools: Utilize Outlook or Google Apps for communication and scheduling. Embrace cloud storage: Explore OneDrive or Google Drive for secure file management. This course takes place at New Directions College and Southcote Community Hub.
Starting at New Directions College:
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From 17th March 2025 to 26th March 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays
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From 30th June 2025 to 9th July 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays
Starting at Southcote Community Hub:
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From 4th June 2025 to 13th June 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Business Communication Essentials (Short Intensive) Course
Master communication in any setting: Learn effective strategies for both in-person and virtual meetings and presentations. Develop your delivery skills: Hone your communication style for impactful presentations. Collaborate with confidence: Foster productive communication during meetings. Understand British workplace culture: Gain insights into dress code, values, and nonverbal communication.
Master agendas and note-taking: Efficiently manage meeting flow and record key points.
These programs will help you confidently navigate the digital landscape and excel in your new career path!
Starting at Southcote Community Hub:
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From 25th February 2026 to 6th March 2026, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Strategies for Success in the Retail Sector
This course equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic world of retail. You’ll gain skills in:
Retail Fundamentals: Grasp the core principles of retail operations, from understanding customer behaviour to effective inventory management.
Customer Service Excellence: Develop exceptional communication skills to build rapport, identify customer needs, and deliver a truly positive shopping experience.
Selling Power: Master proven sales techniques, including identifying buying signals, upselling and link selling, and closing the deal.
Conflict Resolution: Learn effective strategies for handling difficult customers, de-escalating complaints, and reaching solutions.
Cash Handling Essentials: Gain confidence in handling cash transactions efficiently and accurately.
This intensive programme is perfect for:
- Individuals seeking a career in retail with no prior experience.
- Anyone looking to refresh and enhance their existing retail skills.
- Those interested in upskilling for better career prospects within the retail sector.
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the confidence and knowledge to thrive in the fast-paced world of retail. This course is delivered at Whitley Children’s Centre
Starting at Whitley Children’s Centre
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From 24th February 2026 to 5th March 2026, 9:30 – 13:30 on Tuesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
CV Writing and Career Planning Workshops
This course is a short, intensive programme designed to help learners write an effective CV and personal statement, investigate and assess potential career options and plan a career through setting appropriate career goals. The course will cover a variety of topics, including:
- Job search skills
- Self-assessment
- Career exploration
- Career planning
- Workplace safety
- Self-reflection and transferable skills
The course will be delivered at New Directions College South.
Starting:
- From 13th October 2025 to 16th October 2025, 9:30 – 15:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- From 9th December 2025 to 11th December 2025, 9:30 – 15:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- From 23rd March 2026 to 26th March 2026, 9:30 to 15:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Interview Skills Workshop
This is a short intensive programme focusing on providing essential strategies to improve confidence in job interviews. Enhancing confidence, refining communication, and understand how to showcase one own skills to secure the job. Classes will be delivered at New Directions College South and Southcote.
Starting at New Directions College:
- From 6th October 2025 to 9th October 2025, 9:30 – 15:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- From 2nd December 2025 to 4th December 2025, 9:30 – 15:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Starting at Southcote:
- From 17th June 2026 to 3rd July 2026, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesday and Friday
- From 8th July 2026 to 13th July 2026, 9:30 – 15:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Service Excellence Bootcamp Telephone Etiquette
Master the art of phone communication and turn every call into a positive experience in this intensive bootcamp. This program equips you with the skills to excel as a call centre representative, delivering exceptional customer service over the phone. You’ll gain Skills in:
- Effective Telephone Techniques
- The Art of Phone Customer Service
- Understanding Customer Types
- Best Practices for Voicemail & Transfer
- The Power of Vocal Delivery
- Ownership in Every Call.
This programme is ideal for:
- Individuals interested in a career in the call centre industry or developing their telephone communications skills for working in an office environment.
- Anyone looking to improve their phone communication skills for customer service roles.
By the end of this course, you’ll be confident handling calls, equipped to deliver service excellence on every call. Classes are delivered at Southcote.
Starting at Southcote:
- From 25th February 2026 to 6th March 2026
9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Digital Teamwork: Mastering Online Apps
Collaborate seamlessly online and learn to set up meetings on Zoom, Google Meet or Teams.
- Present like a pro: utilise built-in features for impactful virtual presentations.
- Communicate effectively: discover techniques for taking notes, and upholding online meetings etiquette.
- Boost engagement: explore tools like Mentimeter for interactive meetings.
Classes are delivered at New Directions College South, Reading Community Learning Centre and Southcote.
Starting at New Directions College South:
- From Wednesday 3rd December 2025 to Friday 12th December 2025,
9:30 – 13:30 Wednesdays and Fridays
Starting at Southcote:
- From Wednesday 5th November 2025 to Friday 21st November 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
- From Wednesday 11th March 2026 to Friday 27th March 2026, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
Starting at Reading Community Learning Centre:
- From Tuesday 6th January 2026 to Thursday 15th January 2026,
9:30 – 13:30 Tuesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Embracing Self-Confidence
Launch your confidence journey with this powerful intensive program. Explore core concepts like self-worth, positive body language, and resilience. Learn to identify limiting beliefs, cultivate optimism, and find your purpose. Develop effective communication skills for all situations and emerge feeling ready to conquer your goals. All classes are delivered at New Directions College South, Southcote and Reading Community Learning Centre.
Starting at New Directions College:
- From 8th September 2025 to 10th September 2025
9:30 – 13:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - From 5th January 2026 to 7th January 2026
9:30 – 13:00 on Monday and Wednesday - From 22nd April 2026 to 23rd April 2026, 9:30 -13:00 on Wednesday and Thursday
Starting at Southcote:
- From 17th September 2025 to 3rd October 2025
9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesday and Friday - From 7th January 2026 to 23rd January 2026
9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesday and Friday - From 22nd April 2026 to 1st May 2026
9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesday and Friday
Starting at Reading Community Learning Centre:
- From 9th September 2025 to 11th September 2025
9:30 – 13:30 on Tuesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764