Adult Learners’ Week 2020 – Meet the Learners

Meet Helen, Holly, Kim and Margaret-Anne, four of our inspirational adult learners studying our business courses. These adult learners show us that going back to college doesn’t have to be a tricky business…

Helen Lloyd, aged 61, studied Business Administration Level 3 through a work-based learning programme.

It can be difficult to find the time to study when you work full-time and have a family. But Helen found a course with us that was applicable to her current role, which was also flexible and could be managed alongside her busy life through work and home-based study.

She explains “I’ve had lots of support and encouragement from my tutor and it’s great as it fits around work and family life. I’ve gained new knowledge and confidence to aid my current role.”

As well as excellent support from her tutors, Helen explains that “Advice is always available in the college” so adult learners can get all the support they need to complete their chosen course.

Holly Davies, aged 30, studied BTEC Business Extended Diploma Level 3, at the City of Newport campus.

Holly wanted to gain the relevant qualifications she needed to study law at university. She says “My long term goal is to gain employment within the law sector and Coleg Gwent helped me achieve this by giving me the confidence to improve my English and Mathematics qualifications.”

Before attending college, Holly faced the challenge of identifying the amount of additional learner support she would need and how she’d be able to achieve the employability skills needed to move forward. She explains “The best thing is the opportunities that I’ve had, the friends that I’ve made, the support from all of my tutors, and the fact that college has provided the necessary tools and equipment that I needed to complete my studies. My advice for students is to thoroughly research the topics that you wish to study, and attend all the open events to discuss what options are available and how tutors can assist you with the relevant support that you would like throughout your studies.”

Kim Kehoe, 27, studied a Foundation Degree in Business Studies at Pontypool campus.

After leaving high school with disappointing results, it wasn’t until working at Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, that Kim realised her potential, and there are many departments that interest her for progression. Kim explains “I chose to study Business because it will help with my career path and self-progression, but also give me more of an understanding of each department that interests me to help me make the right decision. Our teachers arranged for people with different career backgrounds to discuss their job role and responsibilities with us. This was great because it helped me think more about my future and what career path I want.”

Before college, Kim had thought about going to University, but didn’t think her qualifications were good enough. When she finally pushed herself to find out more at Coleg Gwent, she attended a relaxed and friendly interview to discuss her qualifications and work experience. She says “Everyone was very helpful and welcoming, and after that interview and seeing the campus, I decided I wanted to study at Coleg Gwent and nowhere else.”

Kim’s course is part-time, two days a week, but working throughout her studies meant that she had to change her hours to attend college. She says “The Teachers were brilliant and always understood, which made me feel a lot less stressed when traveling back and forth between college and work. After a lot of support from teachers and working with other students, I gained a high mark and it was a great feeling! So don’t worry if you don’t understand something straight away. Discuss this with other students, and ask any questions you have.”

Margaret-Anne Mackenzie, aged 25, studied BTEC Business Diploma Level 3 at the City of Newport campus.

With plans to set up her own business, Margaret-Anne decided to find a suitable course to give her the knowledge and skills she would need to be successful. She explains “I’ve been studying at Coleg Gwent for a number of years now and they make you feel welcome. I’ve liked everything about my course and it has helped me to understand things better. My long-term goal is to get to the career I want, and I’ve now got the qualifications to do this.”

For Margaret-Anne, the best thing about college is making new friends and making memories with her fellow students. She has enjoyed getting all the work and assignments done, but also helping other students to achieve their qualifications too.

It’s never too late to learn new knowledge or gain a new skill We’re proud to have a thriving community of adult learners in our college studying full-time, part-time and online, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations. Join them by applying today for courses starting in September!