Second chance students land great careers

Knowing there’s a realistic prospect of a good career at the end of their course is often a high priority for adult learners who may have left a job to take up their studies, have family commitments, or just want to start earning right away.

For many, opting for a vocational course such as finance, education and health can lead to a complete change of career.

That was the case for Emma Lloyd, who swapped a classroom career for accounts, studying the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 3 course at Wigan & Leigh College and landing a job as a trainee accountant.

The 45-year-old mum of three decided to retrain for a new career after her job as a classroom assistant failed to meet her new family circumstances as a single mum.

“I fell into the teaching assistant role, as it was convenient being at school with my youngest,” said Emma.

Emma decided to make a fresh start and with a background in book keeping, admin and finance she chose the AAT course.

“It's been so long since I have studied but now I am inspiring my children, as they are taking their A Levels and GCSEs. It’s good for them to see me achieving and shows them that they can too if they put in the work,” added Emma.

Having applied for a number of jobs, Emma eventually landed a trainee accountant position at Gorilla Accounting, which specialises in services for contractors and freelancers – a role for which her tutor suggested she apply.

Wigan & Leigh College has a wide range of vocational, academic and apprenticeship courses to set students on the road to job success. More than 3,500 adult learners joined the Wigan & Leigh College community last year.

And while Emma decided to swap the classroom for accounts, another mum of three’s love of working with children led to her upskilling for her role as a Teaching Assistant.

Lindsay Curson, 42 from Bickershaw, is taking the Teaching Assistant Level 3 course at Wigan & Leigh College, at the same time as working in the role at her youngest son’s primary school.

Having worked in the hotel industry and as a doctor’s receptionist, Lindsay is now following her heart with a career working with children at Bickershaw Primary School – a role that also fits around caring for her youngest child.

"The course refreshes my understanding of why we do things the way we do in the classroom. It definitely relates to the practical setting at the primary school,” said Lindsay.

Many adults study for free at Wigan &Leigh College, with a range of courses heavily subsidised, depending on circumstances.

Find out more

Ready to make the move towards a better career? Wigan & Leigh College is holding adult advice and enrolment events on Thursday 15 August, and Tuesday 27 August, 2-7pm at Parsons Walk Centre, Wigan. Find out more at http://bit.ly/wiganleighcollege