Dedicated Staff Continue to Support Learners and Applicants During Coronavirus Disruption
While schools and colleges remain on lockdown, staff at Dearne Valley College have been working hard to minimise disruption to learners’ education and training and are continuing to support new applicants throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Tutors are continuing to teach existing learners remotely by adapting their lessons and assessments to online-only learning with the help of Google GSuite, a tool which the College invested heavily in last year.
Prospective learners looking to apply for a place this September can still do so using the online application form, which can be found via the ‘apply now’ link on each course page. Every applicant now also receives a courtesy call from a Learner Recruitment Officer to answer any queries they may have and help them on their journey to starting after the summer.
Face-to-face interviews with specialist course tutors, which are normally part of the application process, are now happening over the phone. This offers prospective learners the chance to find out more information about the course, discuss training support needs and identify any barriers to learning.
RNN Group CEO and Principal Jason Austin said: “The additional calls we have put in place are to reassure prospective learners that we’re still here and to let them know that we’re looking forward to meeting them in September.
“We have had great feedback from those who were feeling nervous or uncertain about what might happen and now they feel reassured having spoken to a member of staff from the College.”
Jason praised employees and learners from Dearne Valley College for the way they have adapted to the new ways of working.
He said: “It’s been a challenging few weeks, but everyone has really pulled together during this difficult time. We want to reassure everyone that we are still here and available to support. Our phonelines are open so whether you are a current learner, parent or carer, or are looking to join us in September and have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Though Dearne Valley College’s doors may be closed, you can still talk to a member staff via phone, email and social media channels. Contact information can be found at the bottom of this article.
College staff are available 8.30am–4.30pm Monday–Friday to answer any questions and will respond as quickly as possible.
Get in touch on:
Message us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Call 01709 513355
Email learn@dearne-coll.ac.uk