Digital Drop in and Work Club at BAEC

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 44

How to Explain Redundancy in a Job Interview and Return to Work with Confidence.
In this episode of Back to Work with Confidence, Jill Collier, podcaster and tutor at Bromley Adult Education College London, explores how to explain redundancy in a job interview clearly, confidently and professionally.
Being made redundant can feel personal, even when it was caused by restructuring, budget cuts or business changes. This episode offers practical interview advice for job seekers, career changers and anyone returning to work after time away. Through two versions of the same interview scenario, Jill shows how a candidate can move from sounding unsure and apologetic to giving a calm, structured answer that highlights their skills, experience and readiness for a new role.
Listeners will learn how to talk about redundancy without over-explaining, how to answer difficult follow-up questions, and how to present transferable skills such as customer service, administration, problem-solving, reliability and digital confidence.
This episode also introduces the support available through BAEC’s Digital Drop-in and Work Club, including help with CV writing, interview techniques, job searching, digital skills, confidence building and upskilling. Whether you are looking for a job, thinking about a change of career or preparing to return to work, this episode offers practical guidance to help you take the next step with confidence.
Visit baec.ac.uk to find out more about Bromley Adult Education College courses and employability support.
 
Redundancy interview, job interview tips, back to work, returning to work, employability support, CV writing, interview confidence, job search support, digital skills, adult education, Bromley Adult Education College, BAEC, career change, upskilling, work club, Digital Drop-in, Bromley jobs, London adult education.

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 43

In this episode, Jill welcomes Nick Travers, a qualified bus driver with Arriva, who shares his genuine passion for a career that many might overlook. Nick opens up about what makes bus driving so rewarding—from the daily interactions with passengers to the strong camaraderie among colleagues. It's clear that for Nick, this isn't just a job; it's a role that brings real satisfaction.
With positions regularly available across the industry, Nick walks us through the straightforward application process via Arriva's dedicated recruitment website and highlights the comprehensive training provided to get you road-ready and confident behind the wheel.
The entry requirements are refreshingly accessible: you must be over 18, hold a driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points, and have at least 6 months of driving experience under your belt.
If a career in bus driving sounds appealing, you can explore current opportunities and find out more at the links below, or search for vacancies with operators in your local area:
https://www.arrivabusjobs.co.uk/current-vacancieshttps://www.stagecoachbus.com/careers

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 42

Joining Jill today is Alex Anderson, Technical Co-Ordinator at Thames Water. What does it take to keep London’s water flowing? We discover how their commitment to staff development and maximising your transferable skills makes Thames Water a forward-thinking employer. From career progression to their wide-reaching London locations, learn why this organisation is a top choice for those seeking professional growth.
 
For more information, please do visit
https://jobs.thameswater.co.uk/Search.aspx

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 41

In this episode, Jill is joined by Wendy Pearson, a Therapeutic Counsellor and Mentor who has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting young people. Her work began in schools, where she realised that some young people needed deeper, more personalised support than the school environment could offer. This insight led her to embark on her own learning journey, expanding her skills so she could provide direct mentoring, and now counselling, to those who need it most.
Wendy’s evolving practice allows her to offer a truly tailored approach for each individual, and this conversation shines a light on the often unseen challenges young people face as they navigate education and transition into the working world. It’s a powerful and eye‑opening episode.
For more information, please do visit https://yourautismmentor.com
 

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 40

In this episode, Jill welcomes Samantha Powell, whose career journey is one many will relate to. Samantha began her working life in banking, seeking the security and stability of a traditional career path. However, she discovered that the corporate world left her creatively unfulfilled. What followed was an honest exploration through various roles as she searched for that elusive sweet spot—work that both pays the bills and feeds her creative spirit.
Has Samantha found her perfect career? She's not entirely sure—but rather than settling, she's actively upskilling and keeping her options open.  It's a candid conversation about the reality of modern careers: they're rarely linear, and sometimes the journey matters more than the destination.

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 39

In this episode, Jill welcomes Rebecca Bently, who brings extensive experience from years of working in housekeeping, cleaning, and care sector roles. Rebecca shares valuable insider knowledge about what it's really like working in these essential industries—from day-to-day responsibilities to the training and qualifications you'll need to get started and progress in your career.
If you're interested in pursuing opportunities in housekeeping, cleaning, or care work, there are numerous employment websites featuring available positions in these sectors, including:
https://uk.indeed.com/?from=gnav-homepage
https://www.cv-library.co.uk/
https://www.carehome.co.uk/jobs/
 

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 38

In this episode, Jill welcomes Craig Hollinshead, an experienced Theatre Practitioner within the NHS, who shares insights from his dynamic healthcare career. Craig explores the diverse pathways available in nursing, from ward-based care and outpatient services to the specialised world of operating theatres. He discusses the exciting career progression opportunities available and how these can work alongside the demands of being a working parent.
For those unfamiliar with the role, a theatre practitioner is a skilled allied health professional who provides comprehensive patient care throughout the entire surgical journey—from pre-operative preparation through to post-operative recovery. Working at the heart of the operating theatre, they ensure surgical environments are properly prepared, support both surgical and anaesthetic teams, and deliver essential patient care when it's needed most.
Whether you're curious about nursing careers in general or specifically interested in theatre practice, you'll find valuable resources and information at the link below.
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/we-are-the-nhs/nursing-careers
 

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 37

Join Jill in this episode as she welcomes Yvonne Tomlin Miller, Head of Bromley Adult Education. Yvonne takes us through her personal story, reflecting on her school days and the transformative power adult education has had on her own life. Despite leaving school with limited qualifications, Yvonne's unwavering self-belief propelled her to remarkable achievements, including successful business ownership and her groundbreaking role as one of London's youngest college principals.
As the current Head of BAEC, Yvonne will share her strategic vision for the college's future. Learn about her plans to advance adult education, both through established methods and utilising the borough's recently refurbished libraries.
For more information on Yvonne Tomlin Miller
https://baec.ac.uk/index.php/head-of-colleges-welcome/
 
For more information on the College
https://baec.ac.uk/
 

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 36

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Lady Juliet Atako who has travelled the world helping women, children and any groups she can.  Lady Juliet has dedicated her life to making this world a better place sometimes through specific projects but mainly through volunteering.  Lady Juliet talks about volunteering for the Metropolitan Police and The Rotary Club.  If you are inspired by this phenomenal woman and would like to volunteer for either organisation, please click on the links below.
https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/c/careers/police-volunteer-roles/
https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=951613&ClubID=2260
 

Back to Work with Confidence - Episode 35

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Lorena Braithwaite who shares her wealth of knowledge of working in the retail sector.  This a great career as it can be an option for school leavers, right the way through to any working age.  You get to speak to all different customers so no day is the same.  Retail gives the option of joining with minimal knowledge or as a graduate and beyond.   Do look at all the major retail outlet websites to see the vacancies available in your area.  Here are a few examples:-https://jobs.marksandspencer.com/
https://www.jlpjobs.com/search-jobs/
https://www.harrodscareers.com/jobs
https://sainsburys.jobs/
https://careers.tesco.com/en_GB/careers/SearchJobs#