Stories
Different experiences
Some of these stories may give you an insight into the variety of opportunities open to you when you gain this qualification.
Dave’s Story
Dave was in his mid-forties and had been working in financial services sector for over 20 years and thought he had a job for life, however with the closure of high street banks, he found himself redundant.
Not wanting to undertake another financial services role, Dave decided it was an ideal time to change careers but utilise the skills he had. He recognised that he enjoyed working face to face with people, helping them and providing advice when necessary. Working with young adults who had learning disabilities was a path Dave wanted to be involved in. Dave knew that an appropriate qualification would be required for him to achieve his aims and explore other avenues.
Dave researched on-line teaching qualifications and identified that the Award in Training and Development was an ideal building block. Having not studied for many years, he located Astute Training and the course being offered matched his needs.
Part of the attraction for Dave to study with Astute Training was that it enabled him to study at the weekend and it was completed over a short duration which meant that he did not have to commit to a long period of study.
Having completed the qualification, Dave is providing training in basic banking skills to vulnerable people through a local charity.
Anaugha’s Story
Anaugha was a single mum, raising twins on her own. The children had now just started reception at primary school and she felt that it was now time to get back into the workplace. Her work-life balance was a priority and so the job needed to work around school holidays.
Anaugha spoke to the school who said qualified Teaching Assistants were in high demand. Having left school without any formal qualifications she was aware that a nationally recognised qualification could provide the opportunity for her to apply for a career in teaching.
Fiona had been speaking to the school about the qualification she was delivering and so the school referred Anaugha to the Astute Training website.
The course being delivered, virtually on a Saturday morning, suited Anaugha’s childcare commitments. With, only the Micro Teaching Session requiring attendance for the whole day, meant that she could complete the course. Anaugh invested in a second hand laptop to access the virtual training and completed the assignments and coursework in the evening when the twins had gone to bed.
The qualification was paid for in two instalments, this facility provided the opportunity for Anaugh to budget and commit to the course.
After completing the qualification in April she is now applying for Teaching Assistant jobs starting in September.
Declan’s Story
Declan had been working in a warehouse for over 20 years, he was a valued employee, but promotion did not interest him. He enjoyed his current role of providing training to new recruits joining the company and doing his day job driving plant and equipment.
The company was undergoing Investor in People Assessment and also having regular visits by the Health and Safety Executive and it was seen that there was a need to demonstrate Declan’s competency as a trainer and to achieve an accredited qualification.
The training manager was aware of Astute Training from a recent networking event and made enquiries to provide the appropriate training and qualification. Fiona liaised with the organisation and met Declan who expressed his concerns about the course, as he was self-conscious of his dyslexia.
Fiona outlined the flexibility of the course and discussed the option of having additional support sessions if required.
Declan took a little longer to complete the qualification and utilised the additional support to evidence the course requirements. Declan was pleased that it was not all theory and written work and some of the competencies could be demonstrated by the videoed Micro Teach Session(s) and professional discussions.
Now the company has a City and Guilds accredited trainer and Declan has achieved his first qualification since leaving school, with his confidence in the role as a trainer increasing.
Course Images
Here are a few pictures from our recent face to face gatherings on the course.
Course Feedback
Bev – Centre Manager
I have really enjoyed this whole programme and feel it will benefit me a lot in my job role. Planning and delivering my microteach session and getting the feedback gave me a lot of confidence in my teaching skills.
I have greater understanding on assessment methods and on the roles and responsibilities of a teacher or trainer and how legislation is embedded in all day to day teaching. I have received a lot of support and advice from Fiona throughout the whole programme and think a lot of staff at our Centre would benefit and learn a lot to progress in their roles.
Colin – Tutor
Overall the course was a useful refresher on the techniques of teaching, assessment and planning and evaluation that I had either forgotten or simply took for granted.
I found the course informative and engaging, the tutor was helpful and accessible and the overall experience was useful in progressing in my role.
Dylan – Learning Support Assistant
I really enjoyed the course and it opened my eyes to new opportunities and understanding as to what teaching is about. Lots of good information on the course which helped with assignments.
Overall, I thought the teacher (Fiona) was superb and taught the course very well. Understanding the assignments at times was hard, however I feel it has gone well and I learnt a lot when doing the Microteach and it made me feel more confident.