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16 Mar 2006 11:35:14
More than 100 women who are surging forward with their careers and education thanks to a free confidence-building course at the University of Luton, have been celebrating their success.
MP for Luton South, Margaret Moran, presented certificates to the women who completed the women's career development project ‘Unlocking Potential of Women’ at the University’s Putteridge Bury Conference Centre.
Among the successes were 37 women who gained a management certificate, two who were promoted at work, six who gained credits to a degree level, two who have gone on to do Master’s degrees and 15 who have signed up for the new ‘Flying High’ course. (Case studies on the women who took part in the programme are available on request).
Ms Moran congratulated all the women on their success saying: “UK plc will not succeed without improving the skills of our workforce – we just won’t be able to compete. We need to use all the key skills women have. This course has given them the opportunity to develop and learn.
“It has helped them overcome two of the biggest obstacles facing women – their lack of confidence and self esteem. If I can become an MP, they can do anything they want. They can build their own businesses, get promotion or become an MP. Whatever they want to do, there is a host of opportunities and plenty of potential still to be unlocked as this course has proved.”
The women gave excellent feedback on the free course, which was funded by Go-East (Government Office East of England). They praised the workshops, the excellent teaching and the support they received during the six-month course.
They highlighted the women-only aspect as being key to their success as it provided a less competitive atmosphere and this boosted their confidence.
Academic tutor Susan Drinkwater said: “Most of the women told us that the course raised their confidence – whether they’d had a career break, a new job or a new boss. The majority felt more confident and more assertive after completing the course and the management certificate gave them credibility on their CVs.”
Skills learned included communication, team working, planning and organisation, report writing, ICT, self-assessment and CV writing.
The next course for women at the University of Luton is to help them further their careers. Called ‘Flying High - Take the Next Step’, the innovative course takes the form of a six-month career management programme, combining career development with leadership and management development.
The Women’s Development Unit at the University is offering the development course to self-employed women as well as those working in small or medium sized businesses. The course is funded by the European Social Fund for Women Employees.
The next intake is in June, with students undertaking the ILM Level Three Introductory Certificate in ‘Front-Line Management’ and will be given the option to earn University credits. For further details email knowledge@luton.ac.uk.
Latest news» 2006» Mar» MP praises women for unlocking business potential
