Part-time courses can be many things to different people. See what our students have to say about their learning experiences and how a course has helped them towards their goals.

Andrew Watts Level 2 Motor Vehicle

Learning the theory work helps me to have a better understanding of the practical activities and makes my day to day job more interesting. I have always been interested in cars and this course has enabled me to learn much more. The knowledge I am picking up is helping me to improve my understanding and enthusiasm towards my part-time work at a local test centre. I have been able to improve my confidence and meet new people. My goal is to pass my course, stay in the trade and to one day become my own boss and own my own garage.

Jenny Upton Level 5 Management Studies Professional Award

This course gave me the confidence and assertiveness I needed to become a Team Leader. I was working as an Enrichment Officer for the College when I chose to study this course to further both my career and interest in leadership skills. The course was spread across one year and was easy to slot around my other commitments. After completing my studies I became the College’s Team Leader on the Prince’s Trust Programme where I am required to manage groups of young people on a daily basis. Since developing my skills, I feel more confident in my decision making and my ability to lead and motivate others.

Joanne Singleton Adult Literacy and Numeracy Test

I am 100% more confident. I always used to shy away from answering maths questions but now I don’t. I find it much easier to help my children and that is exactly what I set out to achieve. I decided to study adult literacy and numeracy to improve my skills so I could help support my children with their school work. Boosting my knowledge has benefitted me in many ways including my approach to coursework for my Childcare course and also with my day to day working duties as a dental receptionist.

Kelly Dowell Level 2 NVQ Beauty Therapy

I have always considered Beauty Therapy to be an interesting route to pursue and I was keen to learn more about the subject. It’s not just about applying, creams, lotions and potions – there is so much more to it such as learning about the body’s muscles and bones. The course is fun, enjoyable and I feel confident in helping friends and family when they ask me for beauty tips and advice. I now have another string to my bow and a skill that can be completely separate from my regular working environment. It’s definitely made me want to look into further part-time courses to boost my skills and interests.

Natalie Taylor Level 1 Food Preparation and Cooking

I currently work full time within the RSPCA control centre and even though I enjoy my line of work I was keen to further my interest in cooking and to do something out of the norm. This experience has helped me with my confidence to work independently and as a group. I enjoy the fact that I can handle the pressure and I would definitely consider a career in the catering industry. Working in the catering and hospitality industry gives you the freedom to work anywhere in the world. The course is a brilliant opportunity for anyone and the experience is great preparation for the future.

Rachael McArthur AAT Track (Fast-track)

I previously studied a costume course at university and later decided it was not the right career path for me. I always enjoyed maths and working with numbers and I began to consider it as a new interest. I am really enjoying the course and was offered a part-time job in an accounts department as a result of the knowledge I have developed so far. I feel that I have a plan now and feel clearer about what I want do as a career. Before I was unsure where I would end up, but now I feel sure that accountancy is something I can do and that my qualification will help me to progress.

Tracey Fox Level 3 Counselling Skills & Theory

I was a Hairdresser for 20 years until I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I then chose to pursue a new career and to re-invent my life. I believe that life is what you make it. I wanted to make a change, learn a new skill and that’s exactly what I have done. This course has improved my self-awareness and has enabled me to develop my inter-personal skills. I am now certain that my goal is to become a professional counsellor. I was out of practice with studying for many years and I was worried I couldn’t cope or keep up with my peers. But now I realise I am as capable as anyone else.