On 6 April, people across the world will be raising awareness for International Asexuality Day. 

This day aims to celebrate the full asexual spectrum, focusing on four key themes: advocacy, celebration, education and solidarity. 

What is asexuality?

Asexuality is a spectrum of identities related to an individual not experiencing sexual attraction. It is paired with aromanticism, which refers to people who do not experience romantic attraction. 

These are collectively known as A-spec identities, which encompasses a number of different experiences within these categories. 

Asexual people are part of the LGBTQ+ umberella, because they do not experience attraction to another gender.

Many asexual people have found it helpful to describe their identity in more detail, so there are many sub-identities to be aware of:

• Asexuals – who don’t experience sexual attraction, but may experience other forms of attraction, such as romantic attraction.
• Aromantics – who don’t experience romantic attraction, but may experience sexual attraction.
• Aro-aces – who don’t experience romantic or sexual attraction.
• Grey-asexuals – who experience sexual attraction only very rarely.
• Demisexuals – who experience sexual attraction only after forming a close bond with someone.
• Sex-repulsed asexuals – who have an aversion to the idea of having sex.
• Sex-favourable asexuals – who like sex despite not experiencing sexual attraction.
• Aegosexuals – who can find things arousing despite not feeling sexual attraction.

Local community support services

Keighley Pride

We are proud to be partnered with our local LGBTQ+ festival. We work together with this festival to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and celebrate by taking part in the pride parades. 

We have also worked with the Keighley Pride Flag Project, helping to create a patchwork flag to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

Keighley and Craven LGBTQ+ Support Group

A local group which has been serving the LGBTQ+ community for over five years. Meetings are held each month in Keighley at The Healthy Living Centre.

Hear about Keighley’s LGBT Group from the chairman in this video.

Bradford LGBT Network

This network meets four times a year at the Equity Centre, giving individuals an opportunity to get together to share what their groups are up to and ideas for future development.

Equity Rainbow Bradford

This social group is open to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and immigrants who are keen to meet new friends and support each other.

Phoenix Trans Youth Group

Community group for young people aged between 11-21 years old. Meets every other Wednesday at the Equity Centre.

Sound LGBT

Sound is a group for young people aged 11-19 which meets in Bradford and Keighley. These groups offer a safe, confidential and supportive place to meet other people.

Why do we have a day dedicated to asexuality?

Asexuality is relatively unfamiliar to many people, so today aims to raise awareness for asexual and aromantic people. 

The day also hopes to tackle discrimination against asexual people, including a range of predjudices, such as negative attitudes, behaviours and feelings toward people who identify as part of the asexual spectrum. This may look like the belief that aromantic and asexual people:

• Are less than human or against human nature.
• Are deficient or broken as a result of mental illness.
• Have just not met the ‘right’ person.
• Are confused or ‘going through a phase’.
• Cannot experience love and have relationships.
• Are ‘prudes’; that asexuality is a choice rather than an orientation.
• Don’t face oppression and are damaging the LGBTQ+ cause.

How can we support A-spec people?

Educating yourself about asexuality is a good place to start. Take a look at some key resources, such as this Shades of Noir video and Stonewall’s six ways to be an ally to asexual people.

Validating the feelings that A-spec people have is a great way to show your support. Society tells these people that they’re broken, which can be a really difficult experience. One way to help is by not assuming that everyone has or wants a partner.

If you think you might identify as asexual, there are plenty of resources to help you explore this. This Reddit thread looks at some key asexual FAQs.

What is International Transgender Day of Visibility?

31 March 2021 marks the 12th annual International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). This global event takes place to celebrate the success and resilience of trans and non-binary people and raises awareness of transgender rights.

Over the past few generations, we’ve seen a significant increase in transgender movements due to the biases that some people assume about the transgender community. 

Although there are holidays to acknowledge transgender people who have suffered, such as Transgender Day of Remembrance, TDoV highlights the positive elements of what being transgener means and aims to take action in changing the biases of people who don’t understand transgender. 

What is the history?

The day was originally created back in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, who is the head of Transgender Michigan. 

Rachel asked the question – why isn’t there a holiday to celebrate transgender people? 

While we have Transgender Day of Remembrance to commemorate the transgender people who have died without recognition, Rachel wanted to create a better way to celebrate the lives of transgender people.

TDoV was brought about to help empower trans people, encourage allies to voice solidarity within the trans community and educate people about trans issues.

How can I support?

In recent years, there has been increased visibility of our transgender communities. However, 2020 went on record as one of the most dangerous years for transgender and non-binary people, specifically impacting trans women of colour and youth. Therefore, it’s incredibly important that we help make change.

In order to support the transgender community, we need to learn about the issues that are important to them. Have a read of some transgender FAQs here. 

It’s good to have an idea of the appropriate terms to use, which can be viewed on the Stonewall Glossary.

Listen to the experiences of trans people like Shash and Roch on what the Gender Recognition Act reform means to them.

Raise awareness of trans rights and help to build understanding by sharing The Truth About Trans with friends, family and colleagues. 

Becoming an ally of transgender people will help change the culture, making society a better place for the community. It’s important to remember the following tips to help you to become a better ally.

You can’t tell if someone is transgender just by looking 

Transgender people don’t look a certain way. You should always be mindful and assume that there may be transgender people in any space.

Don’t assume a transgender person’s sexual orientation

It’s important to remember that gender identity and sexual orientation are two different things. Gender identity refers to our own personal sense of being a man, woman or neither of those binary genders. However, sexual orientation focuses on who we’re attracted to. 

Transgender people can be gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual or straight.

Listen to pronouns

If you’re unsure on which pronouns to use, listen first to the pronoun other people use when referring to them. If you must ask which pronoun the person prefers, state your own first, such as “Hi, I use the pronouns she and her. What about you?”

Take a look at more tips on how to become a better ally to transgender people here.

How can we celebrate International Trans Day of Visibility?

The Covid-19 pandemic has limited in-person celebrations, however we can celebrate by looking through useful resources.

Hear from transgender people about their experiences here.

TransEDU provides resources for raising trans awareness including posters and workshop materials.

Gendered Intelligence has produced useful information on the issue of bullying for trans and gender variant students in colleges.

The Department for Health has created a guide for young trans people in the UK.

Accessing support

There are many options for support for transgender and non-binary people across the country. 

TransUnite

A database where you can find a transgender support group near you.

GIRES

A charity that hears and gives a voice to trans and gender non-conforming individuals, including those who are non-binary and non-gender.

Imaan

A charity to support LGBT Muslims and runs a support group for trans Muslims.

Trans Bare All

An organisation running events and retreats to help members of the trans community explore body positivity, emotional wellbeing and intimacy.

SupportLine

Confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual.

LGBTQ+ Society

As a student at Keighley College, you have access to the Luminate Education Group FE colleges LGBTQ+ Society, which provides a safe space or those who identify as LGBTQ+ to be fully themselves without fear of judgement, criticism or discrimination. The society also welcomes straight allies who are encouraged to attend events.

If you’d like to get involved, visit this page to see what’s going on.

We also have a LGBT+ Forum for staff. Get in touch with Lisa Jordan if you’d like to find out more.

Five students from Keighley College have been providing tailored support to members of the community during the pandemic, as part of their health and social care work placement.

Taking on the role of complex care support workers, the students have been working part-time at community-centered organisation, Personalized Care Services, to support individuals with complex health and social care needs.

With the aim to help individuals live independently in their own homes, the students have been working throughout the pandemic to assist members of the community with medication, dietary needs, dementia care, companionship and respite for families with care responsibilities. 

Mazar Hussain, Managing Director of Personalized Care Services, said: “Each student has performed exceptionally well in their role, especially during these challenging times. The pandemic has had a significant impact on our services; we’ve all worked incredibly hard to keep people safe in their homes and ensure they have their personal care needs met. 

“Three students who completed the Health and Social Care Level 3 Diploma have continued to work part-time with us; it’s incredible to see how well their skills and knowledge have developed and the level of care they are providing is impeccable.”

Founded in 2019, Personalized Care Services was set up to support people in the community with their care needs in a flexible manner, allowing individuals to choose the support which best suits their needs. Offering 24-hour support to those who have experienced difficulties settling into a community-based environment in the past, the service enables people to live active lives. 

Rohima Ali, course leader at Keighley College, commented: “As a community-focused college, we’re dedicated to supporting local people as much as possible. It’s inspiring to see how quickly our students have developed admirable qualities and abilities through invaluable character-building real-life experience.”

The 38-strong team provides a wide range of support including domestic support, mental wellbeing, supported employment, learning disabilities, independent living and adult learning.

Keighley College student, Ghalia Fiaz, who works at Personalized Care Services, added: “This hands-on opportunity has been so valuable to my learning and development. It has not only highlighted the importance of this sector during the pandemic, but also allowed me to help empower individuals by providing them with the confidence to become part of their community.”

Personalized Care Services will be working closely with Keighley College to develop its curriculum, with a focus on employer and community needs. 

Adult student, Sarah Cookson, has suffered with extensive debilitating pain for many years. 

Passionate about helping others with similar disabilities, she embarked on her learning journey at Keighley College to become a qualified beauty therapist, resulting in the opening of her business ‘Healing Hands Holistics’. 

The right choice

Sarah’s medical situation meant she had been out of work for a while, however she had always been interested in beauty and was ready for a new challenge.

“My daughter was studying a media hair and makeup course at Keighley College and it was encouraging to see the college go above and beyond to support her with her education and wellbeing. 

“I was asked by her tutor, Clare Ravenscroft, if I was interested in taking a course. Although I’d been out of education for years and lacked confidence, I thought this could be a fantastic opportunity to rediscover myself and pursue my passion.

“During my time at college, I have studied Complementary Therapies Level 3, Beauty Therapy Level 2 and I’m looking to complete the Counselling Level 3 qualification next year.

“I’m currently studying Beauty Therapy Level 3 and I absolutely love it. My tutors are incredibly knowledgeable and we’ve covered topics such as mechanical massage, gel nails, body analysis, product and service promotions and anatomy.”

The beauty of learning

Although apprehensive about returning to college as a mature student, Sarah felt instantly at ease with the group.

“I have always been made to feel part of my class; everyone is so friendly and supportive – my age has never been a barrier to learning. 

“In addition to my beauty studies, I have also gained my maths GCSE with the college. This subject was always something I struggled with previously, but the teaching methods and support meant I passed with flying colours.

“The college is amazing, we have large classrooms with small class sizes, meaning we get valuable one-to-one time with tutors. There is a real sense of community on campus, each student is made to feel like a person rather than a number.”

Back in business 

Since beginning college, Sarah has gained the skills and confidence to start her own beauty and complementary therapy studio.

“My experience at college has inspired me to open my own studio, Healing Hands Holistics, where I practise all the treatments I’ve learnt during my courses. 

“I suffer with fibromyalgia, spinal arthritis, spinal degeneration and scoliosis – all of which give me extensive debilitating pain. Although I still have many medical, physical and mental health challenges, coming into college has provided an anchor of support and helps me stay focused.

“Because of my own experiences, it’s really important for me to offer treatments for people who have disabilities similar to my own. My learning has allowed me to gain practical knowledge to be able to safely and effectively treat this category of clients, as I know how hard it can be to find therapists who have knowledge on certain medical and physical issues.

 “Coming back to education has reignited my spark, giving me the opportunity to rediscover myself, my abilities and passions.”

Discover more about our beauty courses here.

International Women’s Day is an annual celebration of the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.

On 8 March each year, people come together across the globe to rally for women’s equality through widespread activities. 

Why is this day important?

Although the world has made significant progress, no country has yet achieved gender equality. 

According to the United Nations, legal restrictions have kept 2.7 billion women from accessing the same choice of jobs as men. As of 2019, less than 25% of parliamentarians were women. Additionally, one in three women experience gender-based violence. 

This day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the progress made, raise awareness of women’s equality and celebrate acts of courageous women who’ve made an imprint on our history and communities.

Clearly, there is much more to be done in the fight for gender equality, so try and do what you can to make a positive difference for women. 

Themes

This year’s official theme, #ChooseToChallenge, encourages people to speak out against gender bias and inequality. From challenge comes change, so by embodying this theme, we can help create an inclusive world.

UN Women has also announced the theme ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a Covid-19 World’. The recent pandemic has demonstrated how effectively women leaders and women’s organisations have been in leading the Covid-19 response through their skills, knowledge and networks. This theme focuses on the recent acceptance that women bring different experiences, perspectives and skills to the table.

How are we celebrating International Women’s Day?

The Keighley College Engineering department is hosting a creative session on Thursday 11 March at 10am, giving anyone the opportunity to create a mobile phone holder design. 

Our expert staff will be talking through the simple mathematical coordinates needed to create the design. Once all the designs are submitted, the team will pick a winner whose design will be 3D printed on the day. Join by clicking this Google Meet link.

Women in leadership

We spoke with some of our women leaders at college to find out their thoughts on International Women’s Day.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Clare Fitzgerald, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Growth at Keighley College: “International Women’s Day offers a great opportunity to celebrate the amazing achievements by women and it puts equality at the centre of everything. Women need to be empowered to achieve what they want to achieve.”

Eleni Tsobanoglou, Programme Manager of Service Professions at Keighley College: “Less of needing to prove yourself just because of your gender.”

What does the 2021 theme #ChooseToChallenge mean for you in your work life?

Eleni: “A more gender-balanced workplace. Being part of an organisation that better represents the attitudes and priorities that reflects my own life experiences.”

Will Keighley College be doing anything to celebrate?

Clare: “There will be activities across college which we as a team will take part in.”

Why did you choose the career that you are in?

Eleni: “I love to work with young people and help them achieve their goals.”

Why did you decide to work within the education sector?

Clare: “I am a fairly recent convert to the education sector and I love it! There is a unique energy when students are in college and it is fantastic to see students progress and develop during their time with us.”

What does Keighley College/your department do to overcome gender stereotypes?

Clare: “Our team has lots of interaction with apprentices; their development and adaptability is great to see and they are such a valuable resource in local businesses. As an organisation, diversity and inclusivity is key – it enables everyone to develop and have the same opportunities.”

Eleni: “Adhere to college policy and foster an atmosphere of intolerance to the use of gender stereotypes.”

In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up leadership roles?

Clare: “I think it is important to have representation of all genders in all roles, that way everyone has role models and realises they have the opportunity to progress into any role they want to.”

Eleni: “To further redress the balance and lead to equal representation in the sector.”

What more do you think can be done to encourage more women into leadership roles?

Clare: “The key is for the same opportunities to be available to everyone. Having leadership that is fully representative of society needs to be the norm.”

Eleni: “Ensure equal pay and encourage the promotion of role models and a positive image of women in leadership roles.”

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Clare: “I would encourage any woman to go for what they want. Work hard, be positive and determined and find a career you really love.”

Eleni: “Go for it! Education will open the door to a bright future where gender is no barrier.”

Student perspective

Jasmine Hibbert, Level 4 Engineering student, reflected on her own experience in a typically male-dominated industry.

“International Women’s Day is an ideal opportunity to encourage women into new challenges and less traditional careers, such as engineering. 

“I chose to pursue a career in engineering as I was passionate about designing projects through practical work. I began working as an engineering apprentice at Produmax, where I gained fantastic experience while understanding the work environment. 

“It’s important for more women to pursue careers in engineering as there’s a fantastic variety of roles, from manual work to management, design, planning and quality. As this industry is male-dominated, we need to address this balance and encourage more women to see the value of these roles.”

Take a look at the International Women’s Day resources here.

Following the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that colleges will be reopening, we really look forward to welcoming most of you back for a phased return from Monday 8 March. 

Although all students have been working incredibly hard from home, we’re pleased that we can start to invite everyone back to college in line with our phased approach and plans for testing. 

Why is it important to come into college?

As you’ve been remote learning for some time, returning to campus is really important for your wellbeing. You’ll be able to spend time with your peers, join in with college activities and access face-to-face support from tutors, college counsellors or the Safeguarding team. 

What safety measures will be in place?

We want you to feel safe at college, so we’ve implemented many safety measures to help this happen. 

Our safety measures include:

• Testing for staff and students (as described above)
• The continuation of 2m social distancing measures
• Wearing face coverings in all areas of the college (including classrooms), unless you are medically exempt 
• The ‘bubble’ grouping system
• Increased hand sanitiser stations on campus

All students and apprentices did a fantastic job of following these rules before lockdown and I am sure they will when we return. 

The government lockdown guidance states that you must stay at home and only leave your house when necessary, such as for basic necessities, exercise, work (where you cannot work from home), meeting your support bubble or to seek medical assistance or avoid injury. 

Testing

We have been following government and Public Health England guidance on our Covid-19 safety measures. College Covid-19 Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests are another measure that help in creating an even safer environment.

College testing

On returning to college, you will be expected to take three Covid-19 tests on campus, which will help to identify anyone who may be infectious.  These tests in college will happen three to five days apart. Your tutors will inform you of the times you have been booked in for student tests. 

Anyone who has taken their first test will need a negative result before coming into the classroom. After your second and third test, you can return to lessons while you wait for your results. 

Home testing

After your three tests at college, you will be expected to take tests at home twice per week. 

Results

You will receive your test result on your phone or by email. If this is negative, you will be told when to begin your timetabled sessions. 

If positive, you must not return to college. You must self-isolate and book a test through the NHS website.

Before getting tested, you will need to complete a consent form with your tutors. You can find the NHS’ helpful guide to testing here.

There will be a different approach to testing and returning to learning for higher education students and apprentices. If this applies to you, please get in touch with your tutor for more information.

We’ve created this video to show you how to take your lateral flow test at college.

Questions?

We’d like to thank everyone for their hard work and determination during such a challenging time. We’re really looking forward to welcoming you back into college next month and hope to return to normality soon. 

If you have any questions about attending college, please get in touch emailing enquiries@keighleycollege.ac.uk. You can also take a look at our student FAQs here.

Steve Kelly

Principal at Keighley College

Luminate Education Group, a leading provider of education in Yorkshire, has launched a new training centre in the heart of Yorkshire to boost the skills needs of the region’s economy. 

The Yorkshire Centre for Training and Development (YCTD) will offer bespoke training packages, specific to business needs and employee requirements.

The centre will encompass the education group’s teaching expertise from Leeds City, Keighley and Harrogate colleges, delivering a range of compliance, professional development and redundancy support courses. 

Lee Pryor, Director for YCTD, said: “With the ever-changing economic climate, we recognise businesses’ need to adapt their employees’ skills, to ensure a successful post-Brexit and post-Covid-19 transition. 

“Our service will start with a complimentary skills planning session to understand the business, so that we can effectively identify its training needs, and match these to a budget. We will be offering in-person as well as virtual sessions that fit around the organisation’s schedule. We will then develop a bespoke training solution that meets those needs.

“We’ll be working with a range of sectors, from law, education and social care, to engineering, digital, hospitality and hair and beauty. We want to support as many organisations as possible to grow and thrive, as they navigate the current economic challenges.”

YCTD will be based in dedicated spaces across Leeds, Harrogate and Keighley. 

To find out more or to book a complimentary skills planning session, please call 07814 818826.

Foundation degree student, Asia Iqbal, returned to college to continue her education after getting married and raising children.

Despite a lack of support from her family, she was determined to develop her knowledge and carve her own career path.

Return to education

Asia was out of education for many years and felt it was the right time to enhance her skill set.

“After getting married, I felt I had lost some independence. I was really keen to rebuild this, along with my confidence, so decided to embark on a new journey at Keighley College. 

“My decision was met with resistance from my family, which made the return to learning even harder, however I knew that I needed to focus on myself and eventually gain employment so I can support my family.”

The right decision

Asia’s academic journey started with a Keighley College community English course at her children’s school, St Mary’s Primary School. 

“The English course was amazing, it allowed me to meet new people and gain so much confidence. The programme opened up some fantastic opportunities for me to explore. 

“After I completed the course, I went on to study at the college’s Textile Academy, where I learnt to use the industrial flat bed machines and the overlockers.  The academy enabled me to develop key practical skills while also gaining valuable experience of a work environment.

Leap of faith

The brave decision to return to her studies helped Asia feel valued, providing her with a real sense of achievement.

“Throughout my time at college, the tutors have been absolutely brilliant and often acted as a second family. They were always keen to support me wherever possible and through regular encouragement and appreciation, allowed me to gain so much confidence. My tutors believed in me when no one else did; they gave me the energy to keep going and not give up.

“I would advise anyone in my situation to take the opportunity, overcome the barriers and don’t give up because it’s worth every minute. As long as you stay focused and believe in yourself, you can always find a solution to any problem. At the college, there is so much help available and I’d encourage students to always ask for support if they need it.”

Exciting future ahead

Asia hopes to find a role suited to her ambitions once she completes her foundation degree.

“I’m currently studying my foundation degree in supporting teaching and learning in schools. Once complete, I hope to find a job so I can support myself and my children.

“The programme has given me much needed independence and a real purpose in life. I feel incredibly valued and optimistic about my future. I would encourage all adult learners to return to education to pursue their ambitions; it gives you an immense sense of achievement.”
Find out more about our courses on offer here.

After graduating from Leeds Beckett University with a degree in sport, Rebecca Cuthbert could not have predicted that she would complete an apprenticeship.

She told us that she was not sure what she wanted to do after her degree but after travelling around Southeast Asia and Australia she discovered that she wanted to become a teacher.

After returning from her travels, she thought of completing a PGCE but missed the window to apply. It was at this point that she started looking for alternative options and came across the teaching apprenticeship at Keighley College.

What were you doing before this apprenticeship?

I went to university, where I studied sport. Once I finished my degree, I was not sure what I wanted to do or what path I was going to take. So I went travelling around Southeast Asia and Australia and I think it was during this period that I discovered what I wanted to do, and that was teaching.

When I got back, my initial thought was going down the traditional route and studying a PGCE. However, I only returned in August and was late to apply. As a result, I started looking at alternative options for the following year and came across the teaching apprenticeship at Keighley College.

I always wanted to teach college level rather than secondary level, so the programme was more appealing to me.

What attracted you to this particular apprenticeship?

The ability to work on the job. I had already done three years of studying at university, so I found the idea of getting on-the-job experience more appealing.

What are some of the highlights and challenges you have faced so far?

Being able to see how much of a difference I can make to other learners. I taught across a number of different groups during my apprenticeship. Now, as course leader, I have several students who were doing a Level 1 when I started and are now doing a Level 3 course and it is amazing to see and be part of that progression. Their mindset, focus and engagement with their work and everything that they are doing outside of college makes me feel so proud.

Since I started, I have seen an increase in girls taking up traditionally male-dominant courses. When I joined in the first year there were probably only four or five girls on public service courses and now numbers have gone up, showing a vast improvement in the promotion and understanding of the courses and sectors as a whole.

I was briefly in the police force during university. I was a special constable for the West Yorkshire Police, It was voluntary and I believe in many ways I have been able to draw on some of those experiences during open days.There was a point when I thought I may want to go down the police route or the sport route. I used to volunteer approximately 16 hours a month and it was eye-opening and it taught me how to deal with a lot of situations.

Was there a point where you realised working in the police force wasn’t for you?

I didn’t want to commit to shift work at such a young age. I was only 18 at the time and wanted a normal routine. I really enjoyed my time and learnt a lot. The skills and knowledge I got from that experience has helped me as a teacher today.

What did you learn or gain from your apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships never guarantee you a job at the end, so I was always aware of that but when I finished my apprenticeship in the summer, there was an opportunity for a teacher role and a course leader role in my department and I took the opportunity to apply for both roles.

I had the chance to see where the department was and where it is now and I think there is so much more I can contribute to the growth and development of it in the future. 

What areas do you think need growth and development?

From a public services perspective – it would be great to build our relationships with the community and integrate the work we do so that students can gain a broader understanding of the sector.

From a sports perspective, we have recently introduced a new sports qualification which allows learners to qualify as a sports coach. We also hope it will help us stand out from the competition.

Personally, I would like to go down the PE and teaching route. All being well next year, it would be fantastic to introduce some PE apprenticeship qualifications and focus on health, particularly with how it has impacted people this year from a wellbeing and mental health point of view.

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

The hands-on experience that apprentices get is invaluable. As an apprentice, you have the opportunity to understand the organisation from the ground up and it gives you insight into the entire job. You don’t miss out on anything and you get to see everything that goes on behind the scenes and in all aspects of the job that you need to deal with on a day-to-day basis. 

It is so much more than turning up to a classroom and delivering a lesson – the apprenticeship offers learners a chance to fully understand the job role.

From an employer perspective – it affords them the opportunity to shape learners and teach them the necessary skills required for a specific role and how it fits into the overall vision of the company. Another advantage of taking on an apprentice is that new people always bring fresh ideas and approaches to the table that can help a business grow.

Where do you see this apprenticeship leading you in the short and long term?

I want to establish myself as a course leader first and then long-term, become a programme manager of a curriculum area. From a development perspective, I want to do a master’s in education. I believe this will help me improve my understanding as an educator and become a better teacher.