VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS: East Riding College online June 16 and 23

With social distancing restrictions still in place and uncertainty ahead, those leaving school or planning to study at college or university in September may fear the knock-on effects of the global pandemic on their future career plans.

But there’s plenty of help on hand.

HOW TO ATTEND THE VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS: Take part by simply visiting the college’s Facebook page during the next open days, on Tuesdays, June 16 and June 23, 4pm to 7pm, at www.facebook.com/eastridingcollege.

Colleges like East Riding College are holding virtual open events to help people to choose the right next steps after school or sixth form, or in their career development. So we’ve compiled 5 very good reasons to try out a virtual open event!

1 – It’s easy! And you don’t even have to leave the house…

Held on the College’s Facebook page, the virtual events are an opportunity to get a look inside the campus buildings and see the outstanding facilities from your own home. The campus is brought to you through 360 photos and virtual tours of the campus facilities.

2- You still get to meet the team

You’ll be able to talk one-to-one with tutors to find out more about different courses, speak to guidance officers to find out more about support available to students, and watch video messages from teaching staff and the Vice Principal.

3 – You can get a feel for what it’s like to study at college

Through videos, case studies, photos and live chat you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to be a student at East Riding College. Plus, plenty of staff will be logged in from home ready to answer your queries on the Facebook page, or have a chat with you on the phone or email.

4 - You can get all the info you’ll need about transport, finance etc

If you want to find out about the College’s free bus to College, bursaries and support, loans for higher education courses and advanced learner loans for adults, the guidance team will be ready and waiting to advise.

5 – You can get help to apply online

Anyone can apply for a course on the College website, anytime. But if you apply during the open event staff will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about your application. All applicants will receive a formal offer, with no need for a formal interview. No one will be disadvantaged if they apply after lockdown or if they are unsure about their GCSE/A-Level exam outcomes.

Marketing and Communications Manager for the College, Karen Shead said, “How it works is that we simply have all the staff who would normally be at an open event in person logged in from home instead.

“We’re ready and waiting to chat to visitors to the Facebook page – we’re all very friendly! People can direct message us on Facebook, or make a public comment on one of our posts, and someone will respond.

“If people want to have a direct chat with a tutor, tutors can give them a call back or chat online. We can also email them any info they need. It works just like a normal open event, really - except it’s all through Facebook!

“We can even help applicants apply online during the event. Of course, anyone can contact the College anytime through our Facebook page, but the idea of the virtual event is that we have everyone available during that time slot to answer any queries you might have.”

The next virtual open events take place on Tuesdays, June 16 and 23, both 4pm to 7pm.

Remember to vVisit the College’s Facebook page during the event to take part at www.facebook.com/eastridingcollege.