Many of our adult learners come to learn with us as they are looking to change their career. We offer them the time, flexibility and support to gain the qualifications needed to take the plunge and start in a new sector.
Our Supporting Teaching and Learning course is designed for learners who would like to work in a school setting, supporting students to achieve their goals. We recently caught up with two of our students, Caroline and Bella, to see how the course has helped them.
Caroline’s journey
After spending her entire working life as a nurse, Caroline wanted to find a new challenge. She started the course with the aim of working in a primary school supporting students. She now feels even closer to this goal with the support of her tutor and classmates.
What was it like returning to education as an adult?
“Honestly, I didn’t find it daunting at all. It was actually quite a smooth process. Walking into the classroom, I didn’t feel intimidated. I felt comfortable straight away, and Margaret [the tutor] made us all feel really at ease. That helped more than anything.”
How have you found managing adult life, work, and studying at the same time?
“The course works well for me. I tend to do most of the work in the evenings or spread it throughout the week between my shifts. The assignments are manageable, you can hand them in quickly or take a bit longer, as long as you meet the deadlines. I find it easiest to do the work there and then, so I don’t fall behind. It fits around my life pretty well.”
What do you know about your upcoming work placement?
“We haven’t started yet, but I know it’s 100 hours in total. That probably works out to about two or three times a week. I’ve requested mornings because those fits best around my job. You can spread the hours however you like; mornings, afternoons, after-school clubs, and pick days that work for your family or work life, which is really helpful.”
Bella’s journey
Bella spent several years feeling unsure about her future after returning from travelling. Seeing her sister start College encouraged her to reflect on what she genuinely enjoyed and where she wanted her career to go. Having always enjoyed caring for others and with previous experience babysitting, she realised childcare was the most natural path for her.
How was it walking through the College doors as an adult returning to education?
“Terrifying! I’ve always struggled doing things on my own, and I really hated school and sixth form, so I didn’t know what to expect. But the class has been so supportive and friendly.
“Even though it’s still a classroom, it feels completely different from school, everyone’s more mature, nicer, and actually listens. We help each other, and it feels like a proper community. They feel like friends now, not just classmates.”
How has your confidence changed since starting the course?
“Being in a class where everyone supports each other has really helped me. I actually want to come to College, which surprised me, because I thought I’d dread it. But I don’t, I enjoy it. I feel proud of how far I’ve come.”
Where would you like to be in five years?
“I’d love to go back travelling but stay somewhere longer-term and work in childcare abroad. I’ve thought about being a nanny. My mum used to say I would find it too stressful to do a few years ago, but I think after this course, I’ll be able to work in childcare anywhere around the world. I like that doing this opens up more options for me.”
Thank you to Caroline and Bella for sharing their stories. Seeing your passion for making a change in your lives and helping young people is inspiring.
If you want to help shape the lives of young people, check out our Supporting Teaching and Learning course and apply today.
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