Last Thursday, The Skills Development Service (SDS) recruited eight students who are part of their peer-training team for the 2013-14 academic years.
The students, who achieved ILM certification, will join three others in assisting John Steele, Training and Development Manager, in the delivery of soft skills units which make up the Certificates of Professional Development available to all Cardiff students.
Cari Davies, President of the Studentís Union, awarded the studentsí certificates in a presentation held at the Skills Development office, on the second floor of the Studentsí Union.
In order to achieve the Institute of Leadership and Management certification in ìTraining the Trainerî, the trainers were put through an intensive selection process which included an interview, followed by a presentation and a group facilitation exercise. The trainers also completed a five day course in Learning & Development before delivering their own unit from the programme to their fellow peer-trainers.
John Steele said, ìI am especially proud of these students and I look forward to helping them develop their skills even further in this vitally important role. I am very excited at the opportunities not only for themselves, but for the part they should play in developing their fellow students who attend on the programme. I would also like to offer my continuous thanks to the existing peer trainers, Gareth Davies, Ivona Videnova and Arshi Iqbal, together with Kelly Marlow from the Skills and Development Service for their support and dedication.î
Speaking to the students involved, their response was very positive.
Deepti Thakoor, third year Law student, said: ìThe Skills Development Service is a place of constant improvement and after each session I leave empowered.î
Ellie Davies added, ìWeíre looking forward to carrying on learning as trainers and teaching students in a wider range of skills. Personal progress is an integral part of being a student peer trainer and the opportunities available to us are extensive so it is a very exciting time to be involved.î
However, the role does not come without itís challenges, as Joe Wilton recognised,  ìItís nerve wracking getting up in front of lots of students, you have to be confident and informed, even if youíre not.î Nevertheless, he was quick to encourage other students to get involved, adding: ìThe SDS helps with things you may not even know you need.î
Emma Giles, second year English Literature student, also responded positively, saying, ìA lot of people donít realise what the SDS can offer but the skills and lessons you learn can really make you stand out from the crowd on your CV.î
The SDS provides a range of courses, available to all Cardiff University students, which are aimed at building your confidence, improving your transferrable skills and increasing your employability potential.
 To find out more visit: http://www.cardiffstudents.com/jobs_skills/skills_development_service
Georgia Hamer
News Editor
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