We have been at the centre of a media whirlwind over the past couple of weeks, with global coverage highlighting the additional support we provide to help students overcome what’s been termed ‘telephobia.’ - the nervousness around speaking on the phone.
The story has captured the attention of audiences worldwide, with coverage including:
- BBC, ITV, Channel 5, The Daily Mail, and The Sunday Times
- A mention on Loose Women, This Morning and Radio 2
- Features in Vice, the New York Post, India Today, and the Latin Times
- A live interview on a Chicago TV show
It all began towards the end of last year when the BBC approached the college’s Marketing team. Reporter, Sophie Wheeldon, who is herself part of the Gen Z community, had observed a growing trend: many in her generation experience anxiety when making or receiving phone calls. Intrigued by this phenomenon, the BBC delved deeper, showcasing the unique support we offer to help students build confidence and tackle this challenge.
The report, which was filmed at our City Hub campus, aired on BBC East Midlands Today on 6th January.
The live piece features Liz Baxter, a member of our dedicated Careers Team, who together work tirelessly to support students throughout their college studies - offering advice, tips, resources, one-to-one appointments and group workshops to help them plan their next steps - whether pursuing a higher-level course at college, an apprenticeship, university, or employment.
The ‘Five Steps to Telephone Confidence’ session was born out of the Careers Team’s long-standing class on interview skills, which prepares students for interviews across various formats. Recognising the growing importance of telephone interviews, the team identified this as a key area of need and developed this tailored session to address it.
The team will be delivering this workshop as part of the annual college-wide careers roadshow ‘Future Me’ event, which this year takes place week commencing 3rd March – look out for details coming soon!
It’s truly exciting to showcase the college on an international stage, especially as we highlight just one of the many ways we are equipping our students to be future ready.
We were also featured in The Sunday Times this weekend for the latest article and also ITV news, which was set to air towards the end of last week (w/c 20th Jan).
Thank you to all involved!
Thank you to Liz Baxter and her team for supporting her to take part. Also, a special mention to the students who were involved in media interviews and to the staff who helped put the Marketing team in touch with them – a true college collaboration!
Students: Foundation Learning (Adams), BTEC Journalism, Games Design, Performing Arts and High Pavement (A Levels)
Staff: Danny Rawling, Matt Turpin, John Simson, Charlotte Prowse, Kirsty Billam, Humera Yaseen, Adrian Heaton and Naomi Smith.
