Student ServicesStudent Support – What we offerLearning SupportChaplaincyDeaf Access TeamStudent Counselling ServiceCareers AdviceWell-being and Keeping Safe
Colchester Institute has a wide range of support services. These are available to help you with the practicalities of life as a student, as well as planning for your future career.
Whether you are still at school, have been working for a number of years or are returning to your studies after a long break, going to college is exciting. However, it can also be confusing and may mean changes to your lifestyle. Colchester Institute’s Student Support Services are designed to help you make the most of your time here.
If you want to know, for example, whether you are eligible for a grant or a loan, our Student Services staff will help you. Staff are also able to help you with any personal problems, through confidential student support services. Specialists in careers and educational guidance are also available to assist you in your future career plans.
We are here to help you be successful, whatever your age or circumstances.
Where are Student services:
Colchester campus: Ground Floor B Block
Braintree campus: Student Hub
What time are Student Services open:
Colchester/Braintree
Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5pm
Friday 8:30am -4:30pm
Contact Student Support Services on 01206 712078
We pride ourselves on the support provided to students with additional needs. We have a dedicated team on hand to support you throughout your time with us. If you have a learning difficulty and / or disability, we encourage you to come and see us as soon as you are thinking of applying for a course.
Learning Support: What we offer
We know that there might be times during your studies where you need someone to talk to, or you may have issues that you need some support with – our Student Welfare team is on hand to help.
There are staff who can support your literacy, numeracy and with study skills. The College Learning Support team can offer advice and information on:
- Learning support practitioners
- Support for dyslexia
- Support for students with autistic spectrum disorders
- Note takers for deaf learners
- Assessments for exam concessions
- Communication support workers
- Specialist equipment
- A hearing loop facility
- Learning support tutors
Colchester Institute chaplaincy is here for students and staff, and is available to all, whatever their beliefs.
In addition to the pastoral support services that Student Services provide the Multi-faith Chaplaincy provides a pastoral presence, and helps with projects and classes encouraging spiritual development.
Beks Korniej the chaplain can be contacted at beks.korniej@colchester.ac.uk
Deaf Access Team
Colchester Institute is committed to supporting deaf students so they can access the full curriculum.
We have a team of professionals to ensure students achieve their full potential. The Deaf Access Team can support a range of deaf students to suit individual requirements.
You can arrange a meeting with the Learning Support Team and tell us what support you require and ask questions.
There are times in everyone’s life when things are difficult. It can sometimes help to talk to someone outside your family and friends who won’t judge you.
The Student Services Student Counselling Service is currently open to students studying at Colchester and Braintree sites. If you are studying at any of our other sites please contact 01206 712885.
University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute also provides separate counselling service to members of the public, which provides access to counselling in Colchester and Clacton-on- Sea.
Careers Advice
Careers Advice
**October Open Events – Update**
Due to COVID-19, we have moved our popular October Open events online for 2020, and as such the Careers Team will be offering scheduled phone calls by appointment.
We have opened up new appointment slots for careers guidance on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of November.
Please use the calendar below to see the available times on these dates and book a telephone careers guidance appointment.
Good careers advice can make a positive difference to a student’s aspirations and motivation whilst at college. It can be instrumental in increasing their self-confidence and enable them to discover opportunities they never would have considered.
Colchester Institute’s team of careers advisers provide information, advice and guidance to enable their students to make informed decisions about their future and help find the best job or career possible for them. Our advisors have a wealth of experience and hold at least Level 6 or higher guidance qualifications.
If you are still at school we recommend that you contact your school careers adviser for help about your future pathway.
Alternatively you can contact the National Careers Service helpline for information and advice about jobs, careers and training.
National Careers Service helpline
National Careers Service
Telephone: 0800 100 900
It can be confusing to plan your next step after leaving school as there are so many different options to choose from. To help you get started please explore our useful links.
Careers Advice and Guidance
Help and support is available for a wide range of areas including
- Career choice
- Course choice
- Progression Routes
- Apprenticeships
- Choosing and applying for university
- Preparation for employment
One to one impartial guidance interviews are available as well as a daily drop in service. There is a well-equipped careers centre within the College containing information on jobs and courses, careers software is available to help students choose and research suitable careers.
Colchester Institute also hosts an annual Progression Fair, organised for students to find out about the opportunities available for when they have finished their studies. The event attracts over 50 representatives from the world of work, higher education and voluntary organisations.
The College holds the matrix quality standard for information, advice and guidance services. This is the Department for Education’s (DfE) standard for ensuring the quality of the delivery of information, advice and guidance is of the highest quality.
