Tina’s Learner Success Story
Meet Tina: a qualified teacher who completed Aspire’s Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs to update her skillset and get back into the world of work.
“This course has given me the confidence to attend interviews and secure a job. ”
What did life look like for you before taking our course?
I was on a break from working because, after Covid, I found it hard to get back into being with people again. It was a struggle then to find something that suited my qualifications.
Why did you enrol onto Aspire’s course?
Although I hold a teaching qualification and an assessor’s award, I hadn’t taught for a long time, and I felt some of my skills needed updating. Plus, as I am six years from retirement, I was thinking about how I could best use what I do have and expand to give me more options.
What are your plans for the future?
I have secured a TA role in a Special Needs unit in a Primary School. The role started in September 2024.
Tell us a bit about the course:
The course was organised well with lots of activities and different ways to use digital skills. I learnt all about the needs of children with SEN, covering the milestones as well as diversity, equality, and inclusion. I also learnt how to obtain the views, needs and goals, as well as speech, language and communication needs, and many other subjects.
What challenges did you face while doing our course and how did you overcome them?
I struggle with punctuation, so being able to access BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) is helpful. It will be something to carry on improving even though I’ve completed the course.
How has this qualification changed your life?
It has given me the confidence to attend interviews and secure a job. It has also added to my qualifications.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about starting one of our courses?
Do it. It is so rewarding. You get to meet some great people from all over the country. It helps to build confidence in so many ways. If you get Olivia as your tutor, she is brilliant, an absolute fountain of knowledge. All the tutors are great, and the support is fantastic.
Congratulations on your post-course success, Tina! We’re so pleased you found the course rewarding.
If you, like Tina, are looking to update your skills and get back into the world of work, sign up to one of our courses today.
And follow along on our socials to see more of what Aspire has to offer.