Learners explore career pathways in DWP-led employability session

Learners recently took part in an engaging employability session facilitated by Employer Services Manager Durham South, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), designed to help them identify their strengths, interests and potential career pathways.

The session began with learners completing a skills and preferences quiz, encouraging them to reflect on how they work best, such as whether they prefer working independently or as part of a team. Based on their responses, learners were introduced to employment sectors they may wish to explore further and were given the opportunity to complete more detailed, sector-specific quizzes to discover job roles that may suit them.

During the visit, the DWP also led a discussion around the support available to young people in the workplace and in further education. This included information on Disability Confident employers and the reasonable adjustments that can be made to ensure learners are supported to access and sustain employment.

Learners then took part in a practical activity linking their college sessions and interests outside of college to employability skills. By selecting activity cards, learners uncovered key “buzz words” linked to their strengths and preferences, helping them recognise how everyday activities can translate into valuable workplace skills.

To finish the session, learners used these key words to write a short paragraph that could be used in a CV, giving them a practical takeaway and increased confidence in describing their abilities to future employers.

The visit provided learners with valuable insight into career options, workplace support and the next steps towards employment or further education.