“At school they told me I wasn’t bright enough to be a teacher, but this course has given me the confidence to believe in myself and do a job I’m passionate about,” says 34-year-old Kelly Knox who is in the final few months of the two-year Certificate in Education/PGCE and has just secured a permanent job as a teacher.
Kelly, who attends college one evening a week, added: “Studying this way has given me the freedom to fit doing my qualification around work and family life and I’ve been able to balance keeping up-to-date with assignments with my other commitments.
“Throughout the course I’ve had to research topics that I never thought were connected to teaching and I’ve gained much more knowledge around learning styles and the curriculum which I was able to refer to in the interview for my new role.
“The tutor is aware of the pressures we’re under and has been very supportive, always making time to talk or answer queries in between the weekly sessions. I would certainly recommend this way of learning to anyone with a job or family who is looking to change career or gain new qualifications.
“This course is the only reason I’m able to teach and I honestly didn’t expect to be the person I am today – I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.”
