New social media courses for adults, launched by City of Wolverhampton College, have been praised by the first cohort of students.
The two-week digital skills bootcamps are funded by West Midlands Combined Authority and free for anyone currently looking for work, as well as being available at a reduced cost for those already in employment and looking to enhance their skillset.
The industry courses are delivered by Wolverhampton-based media services company BlackRook Media at the college’s Paget Road campus in Compton, and Wellington Road campus in Bilston.
They include a Level 3 digital social media assistant, Level 4 social media manager and Level 4 social media content creator and are aimed at improving individuals’ digital skills to enhance their employability credentials.
Places are available for courses running throughout February, March and April, and people can find out more and meet the tutors at drop-in information sessions at the Paget Road campus every Wednesday at 10am.
Lorna Prosser, curriculum manager for employability at the college, said: “Having employees with good social media and digital skills is essential for any business and is something that employers look for in their staff.
“We are delighted to be working with BlackRook Media to deliver the courses and that our students will benefit from the expertise, skills and knowledge of their team of experienced specialist trainers.”
The feedback for the bootcamps has been positive with several learners already offered roles in the industry with West Midlands employers.
Job-seeker Savannah Williams from Wolverhampton said: “The course has helped me enhance my own social media platforms. I am much more aware of what to post to increase engagement with followers – and also what not to post! I now feel more comfortable going for entry level marketing roles after having no knowledge whatsoever two weeks ago!”
Chuka Okigbo, from Wolverhampton agreed: “I found the course very beneficial. It has helped improve my confidence as well as teaching me facts and techniques that are vital as an online social media marketer and content creator. I can now identify what a company is lacking and give them what they need to have a good social media online presence.”
Harjinder Sangha, from Wolverhampton was impressed by the employability coaching from people who work in the sector: “They provide an insightful and engaging bootcamp which has allowed me to enhance my digital media skills in using social media appropriately and learn effective measures to boost brands online.”
BlackRook founder Alan Rook said: “We are delighted to be able to offer these free courses for people across the West Midlands.
“Our industry experts aim to equip the attendees with all the knowledge they need to enter the workforce, upskill those already in work and thereafter benefit the local economy.
“What we’re offering here is industry knowledge, but also dedicated mentor support directly aimed at significantly enhancing our learners’ CVs and general employability in this sector.”
See students talking about the benefits of their course here
Get more information on the social media courses here or email employability@wolvcoll.ac.uk
