We are very pleased to announce that Counselling lecturer and work-placement coordinator Rachel Britton has written a piece about work placements for Therapy Today, a national counselling magazine! This is a fantastic achievement, showing the industry expertise of UCW lecturers. We caught up with Rachel to talk about the article and get all the details.
How did you feel about being able to write in a national Counselling magazine?
I’m thrilled when my professional skills and knowledge seamlessly align, leading to excellent results. This experience has been a source of great personal pride as well.
The subject matter is one I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m delighted that my perspectives were prominently featured in the article.
How did placements through the UCW Counselling Careers Excellence Hub influence the piece?
At UCW, we take great pride in our strong partnerships with placement providers, ensuring our offerings align closely with industry requirements. Our providers consistently express their appreciation for our programs and the collaborative relationship we’ve cultivated. While the article occasionally highlighted challenges with some placement providers, it’s important to note that such instances are rare exceptions rather than the norm. It was a privilege to represent UCW and speak on behalf of the exceptional providers we’re honoured to collaborate with.
Our approach to placements emphasises mutual benefit and shared accountability. We strive to create an excellent experience for students by fostering active partnerships between UCW and placement providers. This collaboration allows us to continually refine our curriculum, enhance networking opportunities, and provide students with valuable real-world experience. We recognise the vital role our placement providers play in shaping our students’ professional development. Their involvement contributes significantly to our students’ success, helping them build confidence and industry-relevant skills. By maintaining open communication and regularly seeking feedback from our partners, we ensure that our offerings remain current and aligned with industry needs.
What is the message that you hope readers take away from your piece?
I’m optimistic that the article presented a balanced perspective and offered valuable guidance for counselling trainees.
The piece has already generated significant engagement, as evidenced by the numerous messages I’ve received from students, current placement providers, and new placement providers asking to partner with us.
Do you hope that you’ll be writing more in the future?
I would be absolutely delighted to feature in any further up and coming research within the field. The experience was seamless and very enjoyable, and I thank the wonderful team that I am privileged to work with, and UCW for allowing me to share the excellent work that is achieved here!
These work placements form part of the Counselling Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston’s Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners’ careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.
To find out more about Counselling at UCW, click here!
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available in the Weston College Group here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College Group has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College Group is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
