Lisa JacksonOur Level 2 Teaching Assistant student Lisa Jackson explains how her course at Runshaw Adult College ‘has enabled her to change her career in the right direction’. We interviewed Lisa and asked a few questions about her time at Runshaw, you can read these below.

Q. Why did you decide to study at Runshaw Adult College?
I decided to start this course as my children were older and I was keen to get back into work. I enrolled for the level 2 Teaching Assistant course, whilst also working towards gaining my functional skills maths qualification.
These courses were a way of getting my career back on track, as in my previous career I had been in catering and this was a cross road point for me to take my career in a completely different direction. I am currently working as a welfare officer at a local school and really enjoyed working with children and being able to offer children the opportunity to learn, give something back to the community and all whilst gaining job satisfaction!

Q. What was the best bit of the course?
There were so many good points to this course and for me the best bits were the knowledge I gained from the course and learning new things all while making fantastic friendships along the way. I really enjoyed the course, and although it was hard work, it gave me the confidence and increased self-esteem to do a good job on my school placement. The course has really helped prepare me for a future career and I have also had some great laughs along the way too.

Q. What did you gain from the course?
I feel that the course has increased my chances of gaining employment as a Teaching Assistant as it has given me the skills to effectively and professionally communicate with children. This has further increased my confidence to identify potential safeguarding issues.

Q. What are your plans now you have finished the Level 2 Teaching and Learning course and do you think it will help you going forward?
Because I was so happy with the course, I have decided to continue my learning at Runshaw College and enrolled onto the Level 3 Specialist Support for Teaching & Learning. I am sure that this will further help me to gain employment in a Teaching Assistant role in the future. The course has also enabled me to change my career in the right direction and I am really looking forward to continuing my studies at Runshaw College.

Q. Would you recommend this course and why?
I would 100% recommend the course to anybody that is looking to work within a school setting and to those seeking a career change. For me, the course has really helped me give something back to my local community and I am really looking forward to starting again in September!

If you would like to study a Teaching Assistant course with us at Runshaw Adult College, you can browse our different TA courses available here.