BORDERS College recently held an employability course for students to help boost their skills in customer service and IT.

The department of enterprise and business innovation (DEBI) at Borders College teamed up with Utility Warehouse, Scottish Borders Council (SBC), and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to run the Employability – Developing Skills for Employment course.

The course helped students to upskill in key areas which they could use in the workplace.

Utility Warehouse staff were also on hand to share what their day-to-day operations are like.

Jamie Sword, prepayment team manager at Utility Warehouse, said: “Since opening the Utility Warehouse Selkirk Hub in the Summer last year, the team has always focused on being part of the local community.

"Whether supporting our local charity, Stable Life, or playing an active part in educating people on what we do and how we do it 'differently.

“Partnering with Borders College was a key milestone in this journey. Hosting this course not only allowed participants to witness first-hand what customer service means to Utility Warehouse but also enabled us to add real-life insight, as well as showcase our facilities on site.

“The course itself was an outstanding success for not only the candidates but also for our staff. We look forward to continuing this relationship in the future.”

The Employability – Developing Skills for Employment programme is aimed at the unemployed and was delivered at the Utility Warehouse premises in Selkirk.

Participants in the programme received certificates and built their confidence and interview skills.

Ross Docherty, course tutor at Borders College, said: "A great opportunity was created through partnership with Utility Warehouse, which allowed Employability students to learn and understand how a forward-thinking call centre in the heart of the Scottish Borders operates on a day-to-day basis while also gaining new skills which will enable them to apply for jobs within this business sector and beyond.”