Success with Learning & Skills The Learning & Skills Service offers a variety of courses which are available to people in Darlington, including parents, carers, grandparents and to anyone who would like to learn something new! There are many different reasons why people learn. Some do it for social reasons, some learn so they can pass skills on to their children and some learn to get into work, progress in their career or move into a new job. Although everyone’s journey is different, most people go through the same hard work and determination to get to where they are. Here are three amazing success stories that show that anyone can do it!
Amel Bowman
With a vast amount of knowledge and experience, Amel originally had a teaching qualification from abroad, but unfortunately it was not recognised here in England. Amel decided to work in retail when one day she saw a Learning & Skills advert for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Amel got in touch with Lindsay, the tutor, who encouraged her to enrol onto the course. On completion of the course, Amel applied for a tutor post and now delivers a variety of courses such as French, Arabic, Child Development, English as a Second Language (ESOL) and Functional Skills Maths.
James McStravick James started his training with Learning & Skills on the foundation training programme in September 2013 following low level attainment and attendance during his school years. His ambition was to become a qualified mechanic. Whilst completing work experience in North Road Garage he impressed the owner, Nick Wardrop, with his work ethic and attitude and was offered an apprenticeship position. James completed his Level 2 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship along with Functional Skills Level 1 qualifications in English, Maths and ICT. He immediately progressed to the Maintenance and Repair Level 3 Apprenticeship and Level 2 in English, Maths and ICT, which he has just completed. James is now fully employed at North Road Garage and looking forward to becoming a MOT tester in the near future.
Rebecca Mason Rebecca attended our Study Programme course. As part of the programme she completed two weeks work experience with Marks and Spencer. The management team was really pleased with her ethic and work rate so kept her on their reserve list for future job opportunities. They contacted her during the summer and offered her paid employment. Rebecca didn’t attend secondary school, but gained all of her qualifications through Learning & Skills and has returned this year to study at a higher level whilst working part time at Marks and Spencer. If you would like further information about the offer at Learning & Skills, please telephone (01325) 405601, email: l&s@darlington.gov.uk or text us at 07932 869325. You can visit our website for more information on the courses we deliver: www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills.