Bradford College

Style Academy Prepares New Breed of Super Workforce for Success in the Struggling Economy

With people struggling to find employment, the economy in crisis and business finding it difficult to compete – companies with the right workforce are the ones that prosper, especially in times of recession.  Research suggests that employees with high self-esteem make independent decisions, take risks, vigorously pursue new ideas and act on their own initiative - exactly the type of employees needed to give businesses the competitive edge and ensure their success.

Self-confidence is a key part of being successful, reflecting what you think about yourself and your self-worth. So how can you improve your self-confidence and self-esteem?  Bradford College has joined forces with leading model training agency Morton Gledhill, to show people how with the creation of the Style Academy – the first of its kind in the country.

Through its unique programme of study, the Style Academy delivers practical solutions for newly qualified people wanting to secure work in the current economic climate.  The Style Academy is creating a new breed of employee with the right qualifications, the right attitude and the confidence to add value to any business. The missing additional skills often cited nationally by employers across all sectors.

Debbie Forsythe-Conroy, Director of Quality Improvement & Performance, elaborating further on the Style Academy said: “All students enrolled on a vocational programme have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications through the unique Style Academy. Working with Morton Gledhill, students are given the opportunity to learn about effective communication, confidence, styling, image, deportment and etiquette.”

“What training providers and educational establishments are excellent at doing is providing students with the vocational skills and the dexterity in their chosen field. Where there is a gap in the market is the development of the softer, but important skills around self-esteem, confidence, self-worth and self-promotion.  The Style Academy takes the skills students have developed around their chosen specialism and entwines them with a new found confidence in themselves and their abilities. We firmly believe that this innovative offer has created well-rounded, competent and confident future employees and leaders.”

“The Style Academy focuses on employability and preparation for work, complementing other initiatives offered in College such as enterprise and innovation, so there is no question that students are work-ready when they leave Bradford College.”

Competition for a place on the course is fierce, after Style Academy graduates impressed industry bosses with their ability to take risks and use their initiative, which has lead to offers of employment.

Front of house/service industry students have also reaped the rewards from enrolling on the career focused programme, crediting the Style Academy with their new found confidence and self belief. 

Style Academy Graduate James Speakman said: “I got a lot out of doing the course. I’m far more confident now and can present myself better to prospective employers at interview, which I’m sure will give me a competitive edge when it comes to employment.”

Following the recent announcement by talent management firm SHL, that nearly two thirds of recent graduates have failed to find a degree-level job, there has never been a better time for the innovative Style Academy to come to the rescue.

Studies have shown that people with high levels of self-awareness and confidence push themselves further to reach their full potential. The Style Academy model will boost both the regional and UK economy, by offering companies a new breed of super workforce who have the capacity to innovate and give their business the competitive edge.