College careers advisor shortlisted for national award

Ceri Wood

Ceri Wood, a careers advisor from Hopwood Hall College, has made the four-person shortlist for the Careers Champion awards.

The awards represent recognition for careers professionals at any organisation who help people in their community develop careers skills and prospects.

Ceri was shortlisted for her work with students at Hopwood Hall College, after students and staff praised her support, dedication and eagerness to give help to those who need it.

“The help Ceri gave me was priceless,” wrote one student. “Because of Ceri and the help and advice she gave me during my UCAS application, I achieved my objective of making it to university.”

One parent supported Ceri’s nomination saying: “My son and I visited Ceri recently and I was so pleased and impressed with the service. We won’t forget her help, she has made a difference in my son’s life and he is much more confident about his future now.”

Ceri has worked in careers advice for over 15 years, helping countless numbers of people to improve their career plans and prospects in that time. In her current role, Ceri offers guidance and support to a diverse range of learners who study courses from entry level all the way up to higher education.

Ceri said of her work and being nominated: “It’s really unexpected to be nominated, never mind make the final four, but it is nice to be appreciated and the comments from staff and students have been lovely.

“I like my work because I think it’s important to let people know that it isn’t unusual to not know what you want to do. Most people don’t and nearly everybody needs help to develop their life career-wise, I really enjoy helping people to develop these skills as part of the careers team at Hopwood Hall College.”