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.
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
- A specialist hearing impaired tutor
- Specialist equipment
- A hearing loop facility
- Learning support tutors
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 Deaf Access Team and tell us what support you require and ask questions. Specialist equipment will be acquired where appropriate.
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, Clacton and Braintree sites. If you are studying at any of our other sites please contact 01206 712855. The College also provides a separate counselling service to members of the public, the Colchester Institute Counselling Service, which provides access to counselling in Colchester and Clacton-on- Sea.
Careers Advice
Careers Advice
Colchester Institute’s team of careers advisers provide information, advice and guidance to enable students to make informed decisions about their future and help find the best job or career possible for them.
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 40 representatives from the world of work, higher education and voluntary organisations.
The College holds the Quality in Careers Standard, a national quality award for the provision of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance as well as matrix ,the Quality Standard for information, advice and guidance services. These awards ensure that the service provided is of the highest quality.
The careers team have a wealth of experience and hold at least L6 or higher guidance qualifications. They are registered with the Careers Development Institute (CDI) as Career Development Professionals which means they follow a code of ethics and undertake 25 hours of continuous professional development each year.
The College offers a rich and varied careers programme of careers education, information advice and guidance throughout the year. Details of which can be found here for 2018/19.
Jo Batch
Operational Careers Leader
Useful Links
Career planning
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
Find out what a job involves and if it’s right for you
Higher education
Find the right course and university for you
The organisation responsible for managing applications to Higher Education courses in the UK
Apprenticeships
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
Apprenticeships explained
https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/
Alternative paths to university, including apprenticeship and volunteering opportunities.
Employability
https://barclayslifeskills.com/young-people/
Preparation for the world of work
We value your feedback on our Careers Information Advice and Guidance services.
Please contact us using the below form in order provide feedback or ask a question.
Colchester Institute is committed to the rights of learners within all its learning locations and campuses; it is committed to promoting their welfare, protecting their physical and psychological well-being and safeguarding them from all forms of abuse.
The College’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policy aims to ensure that all learners attending the College and any of our other training locations do so in a safe and secure environment.
Colchester Institute expects all staff to share this commitment.
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
Safeguarding, well-being and keeping safe
Colchester Institute will not tolerate harassment or bullying on any grounds on students or employees.
The College is committed to:
- Promoting a culture where harassment or bullying is neither condoned or tolerated where it is found to exist
- Challenging any inappropriate actions or behaviour
- Ensuring any complaints of harassment and bullying are investigated quickly, effectively and sensitively
What to do if I am the victim of bullying or harassment?
Students who are targets, or who are aware of any incidents of bullying or harassment, should contact Student Services Welfare Team where there are experienced staff who can help, they can be located in B66a, Ground Floor, Main Building, Colchester Campus.
At The College at Braintree, please go to Student Services A56, at The College at Clacton, please go to the Information Centre.
Alternatively phone 01206 712855
Staff who are targets, or who are aware of any incidents of bullying or harassment, should speak to their CMG member or contact the Human Resources Manager in B101, First Floor, Main Building, Colchester Campus or on 01206 712855.
