After many successful years within the healthcare sector, Anchal’s decision to retrain was inspired by a need to make her responsibilities at work fit around her young family.
A lack of flexibility and unpredictable shift patterns in a job she loved led her to seek support from her local job centre, after spending time feeling isolated and ready for a change. That’s where she heard about Stockton Riverside College and its upcoming Bespoke Employer Led Programme (BELP) – Support Work in Schools and Colleges.
Anchal said: “A door opened for me there and then. I have two teenage children and a toddler and following a change in circumstances at home I was struggling to balance quality time with them, school pick-ups and working at the same time.”
The course was delivered at Stockton Riverside College and included a placement at Bede Sixth Form College, in addition to a guaranteed interview - for the role of learning support assistant with the Education Training Collective - upon completion, a common feature of many BELP programmes.
“Knowing that I was working towards being able to interview for a permanent role was really motivating, and the support that I got from [tutors] Kelly, Wal and Robyn was indescribable. There aren’t the right words to say how much it meant to me during a very difficult personal time of change alongside my learning.
“I needed to make my career work for me, and that’s exactly what I’ve done. I’ve come so far and have achieved success in a way that works for me. Successfully interviewing for the role of learning support assistant was such a proud moment.”
This course allowed Anchal to achieve a Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges, alongside equality and diversity training, personal development opportunities, a funded DBS check and a work placement.
It’s never too late to learn, and our huge range of adult courses, including BELPs like Anchal’s, are a great stepping stone to the next stage of your career. Get in touch to find out more about upcoming courses via employability@stockton.ac.uk
