Almost forty years of self employment as a radio/television/electronics
engineer was brought to an abrupt end by a serious road traffic accident in
2001. I had been keenly interested in computers
for a number of years, but had no formal training or qualification. Still
unable to work and waiting for what I hoped was final surgery to fix
my badly broken arm, I decided to enrol at Wakefield College to study for the
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).
Working at my own pace I completed the coursework in 12 weeks and achieved the
qualification. My tutor seemed impressed and asked if I had ever
considered working for the college as they were always looking for people with
IT skills. She suggested that I approach the Additional Support Team.
In March 2004 I started working just 10 hours a week as a Learning Support
Assistant, supporting students with disabilities. By March the following
year I was working full time.
Since 2004 I have gained qualifications in the four Advanced ECDL modules, and
hold a BCS (British Computer Society) Expert Certificate. In 2009 I qualified as
a tutor at Huddersfield University.
I am currently employed by Wakefield College in the roles of Achievement Mentor
and Specialist Learning Support Assistant, in the assistive technology
area, and I also teach ICT from entry level to level 3.
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