LET'S SHOUT ABOUT IT - Adult Education learner success stories by Neil Murphy

Learner on childcare course growing in confidence

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 08:38:08 UTC

SD began with AES on the Caring for children level 1 course with low confidence, during the course I saw her confidence grow and develop with how she contributed during class discussions. SD moved onto the Level 2 course, where she continued to grow in confidence and developed her knowledge, SD's manager at her setting often comments on how good SD is in her role and how she is developing her skills. SD is currently undertaking the Level 3 course and been offered employment at her setting and is a well valued member of her team. SD has also applied to the University of Warwick to undertake an early years degree following a session that AES arranged for our level 3 learners which is due to commence in September 2022. SD has worked really hard on her Level 3 course whilst managing her mental health concerns. SD and I have had support sessions to ensure her well being during the course.

An apprentice's own story

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 08:40:12 UTC

LB – Business Administration

What is your background?

My background before I joined the Council as an apprentice was that I did not leave school in 2010 and go straight to an apprenticeship - I was in a variety of job roles which ranged from Hotel Receptionist to Photocopying Medical Documents to Working in a Petrol Station. The issue I had is that these jobs were either short term or I could not find any job satisfaction so at the time of starting my apprenticeship, I was looking to secure a full time job which I would be happy in.

Why did they choose to do the apprenticeship?

I choose to do the apprenticeship as the job I went for (working in MASH – Children’s Social Care) looked very interesting and was a completely new challenge, alongside the fact that working for the Council was a huge opportunity to progress in my future employment.

The apprenticeship course I undertook (Business Administration at Level 2 and Level 3) was also a good platform to learn skills that I can carry out in my job role – alongside gaining qualifications with Maths (which I have always struggled with!) and ICT.

What struggles did you have?

Sadly, due to my mental health, I had a short break right at the completion of my Level 2 qualification – when I returned to work and had started on my Level 3 course, I was now working in the general Customer Services team which was a huge adjustment. Another struggle was when COVID first happened and we returned home – I don’t think I ever returned to the classroom!

As part of my Level 3 studies, I had to undertake a project – which was to be a long term piece of work which had to be planned with a report and a Gantt chart. I was in the process of working alongside ICT for my project when COVID happened, so that aspect of my project was now sadly not going to be happen.

How did they come through the struggles?

With working in Customer Services when I worked on my Level 3 course – I was very fortunate to have very supportive colleagues and managers – my line manager Carole was very helpful and supportive in supporting myself with whatever I needed. The team helped in assisting myself with such tasks as:

Letting myself lead a meeting
Mentoring
Any general questions I may have had.

With the project scenario and working from home for effectively two years, I made a decision (before I even realized that this would be my project) to create a document which contained details of the various departments within the council and their response to how they would be working in response to the pandemic.

For example, as I was on the phones taking calls to the main Council number, one of the many questions from the general public at the start of the pandemic was “When will the tip be open?” – myself or someone in the team would be able to check the document and inform them that the tip was closed – when this changed a few months into the pandemic – the document was then updated.

I got amazing feedback about this and I honestly believe it is one of the best pieces of work I have ever worked on!

What did you learn and how have you used these?

I learned an amazing number of skills during my progression through my apprenticeship – I was extremely pleased with my Level 3 distinction that I achieved at the end of my studies. The skills I learnt were very interchangeable such as:

ICT skills
Managing and working on a project.
Mentoring (with these skills, I was able to later train two new starters within the Customer Services team)
Personal and Professional Development
Principles of Business Administration.
Maths Qualification

I was able to take these skills into working full time with the Customer Services team and now I am working in the Enforcement team within Council Tax – I use the skills I have learnt every day in my job and hopefully will be able to progress even future within the Council in further years.

Do you have any advice for future apprentices?

Firstly, you are never too old to start an apprenticeship – these skills you learn are for everyone from school leavers to being of an older age. The skills you learn are very useful should you wish to find further employment – having a qualification under your belt which you can show to future employers or show on your CV/LinkedIn is very useful to you. I started my apprenticeship when I was a young adult, instead of straight after school and with the skills I have learnt – I have had very good job progression within the Council because I have taken the skills I have learnt and pushed myself to deliver high quality work.

I would also add that if you are leaving school and going straight to an apprenticeship – do not let being back in the classroom and learning about the skills you need in whichever apprenticeship you decided to undertake (alongside English, Maths and ICT) put you off – these skills that you learn now will be with you for the rest of your working life – the earlier you get these qualifications, the better chance of success you will have months/years from now – do the work and you will be rewarded.

Positive steps towards a dream of being an art teacher

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 08:42:29 UTC

RV has always had a love of all things creative. After achieving a 1st Degree in Jewellery & History of Art and Architecture, she had an ambition of one day becoming an art teacher.

During lockdown, RV was determined to take positive steps towards her goal. After taking two accredited courses within Coventry AES focusing on children and early years, she decided that she wanted to reconnect with her love of art.

She enrolled on the Drawing & Mixed Media course at Tile Hill Library in the spring term of 2022, not really knowing what to expect, she attended with an open mind and her enthusiasm for the subject, although quiet in class and slightly shy, RV has thrived, and fully immersed herself in the weekly projects, gaining confidence (and friends) along with her new and rekindled skills.

Since starting the class, we found out that RV is doing her PGCE, and said that the courses she had accomplished through Coventry AES, has filled in ‘gaps’ on her CV, but also the art class has given her the confidence and the artistic nudge to continue going forward.

RV has now attended 3 secondary schools in Coventry to identify where her placement will be, and she has been accepted by all of them to specialise in secondary Art & Design.

RV said-

“Being an Art & Design teacher in a secondary school has always been my goal. I have an interest in the pastoral side of teaching which is why I found the Early Years courses valuable, but also have a love of art, these courses have combined and merged together”.

“I attended some other courses elsewhere, but they were nothing compared to this one, this is the best one so far! You’re always here to help, and your enthusiasm for the subject shows. I joined this course as a refresher, to experiment and satisfy my curiosity, and I’ve loved every minute of it”.

Additional Courses completed or being taken to assist progress of learner to career goals

Start Your Own Small Craft Business from Home

Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Neuroscience in Early Years

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children & Young People's Mental Health

Moving into the care sector with the help of my English course

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 08:45:38 UTC

Veronica joined my L2 English class in September 2020. She feels her school education was disrupted (she calls herself “self-taught”), although she gained a D grade for English GCSE. She has been working hard to improve her prospects and has completed L2 STLS through Adult Education, as well as IT courses. Her ambition is to work as a teaching assistant, saying she wants to be “knowledgeable to answer and help students in their learning”; however, she has a young daughter so is currently unable to commit to a full-time position. She has been an engaged and committed member of the class all year and takes her final exam at the end of June. Veronica took the opportunity to work with the job coach and now has a part time job as a care worker, helping to promote independence. She plans to continue working with Saba (the job coach) to help her move forwards in the future.

Hard work in her ESOL class improves a learner's confidence and leads to a volunteering position.

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 08:49:22 UTC

Ranjit Sunsoy.mp4

Moving on from Family Learning

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 09:02:03 UTC

G has been attending FL courses regularly since September. He has got an appointment with the Job Shop and is keen to pursue a career in Youth work. He has agreed to act as a mentor/assistant for the new PFF course starting in the summer, as someone who has done the course before. He says that FL has given him confidence and has given examples of how he is using the games and strategies with his children. He has also got an interview for Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

Email from Hilary Stevens (STLS L3) 3/10/22

G has totally shone in the level 1 class to day!

I saw him at the start and he came in very confidently and sat in the middle of all of the ladies and started chatting to them – even took his sunglasses off.

Ansah has just fed back that he was totally involved, took an active part, very forth coming with information, helped some of the learners with IT issues, quickly found his way around Smart Assessor and had a bit of a giggle with the learners.

A very positive start for him – he’s mentioned to Ansah about continuing onto L 2

Battling loneliness, depression and anxiety - how fitness classes helped us.

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 09:40:46 UTC

A group of learners, who met through our KFG courses, all of whom live alone, have formed a lovely, support group outside of the classroom. This friendship has become an important and essential part of their lives.

During lockdown, these ladies were unable to access the online classes or the WhatsApp group I formed. Instead, they regularly stayed in contact via the phone. They have supported each other through loneliness, depression, weight gain, anxiety, and illness and all returned to KFG as soon as they could.

They now meet up weekly for coffee, cinema, and theatre trips. They also swap jigsaw puzzles, keeping their minds active.

They continue to attend the sessions like clockwork and are enjoying the benefits of leading a healthy and active life.

These learners are all in their 70’s and 80’s!

We have many examples of learners finding comfort in returning to classes after losing a loved one, one gentleman expressed how incredibly grateful he was that the improvements in his mobility since doing Pilates has enabled him to pick up and cuddle his late wife’s cat, which was of very much comfort to him.

There are many, many comments year in, year out, (see the learner comments/feedback) of how learners’ lives have been improved, through exercise. This shows just how important our fitness courses are in combatting loneliness and isolation, playing a big part in improving the physical and mental wellbeing of each learner……happy faces and positive comments prove it.

Opening more doors.

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 09:43:17 UTC

Course: Preparation for the Role of Community Interpreter Level 2

TM enrolled and joined this course to gain knowledge of and to improve her skills of interpreting. She is originally from Iran and whilst being in the UK she has tried to improve her education and knowledge base by attending various courses. Some she did with Adult Education and some elsewhere. She has undertaken some informal interpreting sessions and managed to secure a part time job at the Libraries supporting migrants to access to their services.

Since completing and passing this course TM has this to say:

“I am pleased to inform you that I found an interpreting job before I finished the course. My first interpreting job was in January 2022. It was a casual job at school I worked as a Multilingual teaching assistant. After 6 months I applied for another interpreting job with the Coventry City Council Migration Team and I was offered the job.

These two opportunities have opened for me more doors. Nearly every day, I receive messages  from different companies and am asked to work with them but I do not have time.

I want to thank the organisers at Adult Education Service for running this course which has enabled me to progress in a career I want to pursue”.

TM is hoping to progress to the Level 3 Interpreting course if we deliver it next academic year.

Learn new skills and have fun

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 09:50:00 UTC

Being able to provide GCSE maths support for my son.

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 09:52:44 UTC

Before joining the course, DF worked as a chef/manager. She joined a maths GCSE class in September 2020 because she wanted to help her son, who has complex educational needs, with his maths homework. She was happy to share her story.

When she first came into the class, DF was scared of maths. She lacked confidence and felt anxious when faced with maths problems. As time went on, she improved in confidence and engaged in class discussions, often providing very useful insights for other learners.

DF enjoyed her classes and said that she found the teachers to be very helpful. She took the Foundation exam in June 2021 and gained a grade 5. By this point, DF felt so comfortable with her maths that she re-enrolled in September 2021 to attempt the Higher specification, despite the need to pay course fees to do so. She continued to engage well with the classes and was noticeably more confident. At one point, her son was adamant that she was wrong when helping him with a GCSE maths question and she was able to confirm, with the tutor’s complete backing, that she was completely correct!

Unfortunately, exam stresses prevented DF from improving upon her grade 5 in June 2022 but she was nevertheless very happy with her time in the class. She expressed that she had obtained what she wanted from the course and felt sad that her maths classes now had to end!

Since leaving the class, DF has started her own catering business and is finding her bookwork much easier. She is also much more confident in providing help and support to her son in his GCSE preparation.

Thanks to Adult Education maths is no longer a bane

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 09:55:17 UTC

Rob works as an Interim Assistant Engineer

Highways Technical Services

Coventry City Council

He joined maths L1 class in September 2021.

Rob was overjoyed to pass his L1 FS exam after saying maths was the bane of his life and was keen to share his story and the impact of achieving his maths qualification.

Why was maths the bane of your life?

No matter how much tutoring (at home, after class, after school…Different tutors week in/out) it just never sank in. It effectively felt like punishment, having to sit there for hours on end doing a subject you hated, never understood, never sunk in.

It was always a problem because “everything” requires maths – Jobs, promotions, courses…If I wanted to progress to anything in life, let alone anything meaningful, it required maths.

At the time I was pursuing IT – Practically no math involved. Or if it is, there’s software/IT specific calculators for you.

Even if you’re doing “the job” nowadays if you want to move up…maths. To “officially” do the same job you’ve been doing years? Maths.

And never being able to grasp maths, it was a effectively a permanent barrier, until I met Andrew/Joe.

What finally made you decide to join a maths class?

Requirement for work – To get on to a Highways Level 4 course. Plus it was encouraged to build confidence/help out at work, which it has helped massively.

Due to my role (Highway Maintenance) a lot of it is simple (LxW x £m2), just not at the time… Square/compound area, cubed, scale drawings, measuring line painting in accordance to ratios.

Anything about the teaching/learning you liked?

I like the relevance of the tutoring; I think that was the most crucial element…I can actually understand how subject fits into work, and being a visual learner it really helped.

I was able to bring in pieces of my work (maps to practice scale drawings, line drawings with complex ratios like 1m line @ 4m gap over 1,000m…How much actual paint to pay for?) and make the maths relevant/understandable.

And the small classes allow more 1-2-1 tutoring, which allows the ability to tailor…Which just isn’t possible in a standard class of 30 people.

It was actively encouraged – If I’ve got work, literally bring it in and they’ll use it as tutoring material.

I like that Joe/Andrew are able to just bounce ideas/methods with each other; they think so alike. And are able to come up with different techniques for each student, and a student also taught me a newer way of multiplying.

They also explain why something is done, not just “that’s because how it’s done”.  That’s key for me as well to learn…If I don’t get why something is done a way, I struggle to grasp it.

There’s no “one way” of teaching with them, which is great… Which no matter which teacher/tutor at the time…they all taught off the same book, same method, and yeah…didn’t work. One size really doesn’t fit all, for me.

If I’m not grasping something of Andrew, Joe does his way which might stick or vice versa if I’m not grasping Joe’ method.

Have you got any plans after getting your level 2?

Hopefully level 4 Highway Maintenance course, and further internal progression.

Rob is currently attending a L2 FS maths class, after enrolling in September 2022.

Growing into an adult and making my own decisions

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 10:03:42 UTC

From pub landlord to working security for the Killers.

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 10:07:36 UTC

The Security Sector Gateway offers the learners the opportunity to achieve not only their Level 2 Door Supervisor qualification but also two further accredited qualifications in Health and Safety and Emergency First Aid at Work. These, along with training to developing their knowledge, skills and behaviours enables the learners to be in a prime position to apply for their SIA licence.

One successful candidate, AE started work with a local Security company, having previously been a pub landlord and was keen to venture into a new career path.

He was introduced to his current employer ‘Crowdsafe’, one of the many companies associated with the training and following his interview was offered employment.

AE continues to work for the Company and had this to say about the course:

‘It was a very educational course and hands on at times, it was made to be as fun and enjoyable as possible. I have done work at events such as working Security for The Killers and Rammstein concerts and I have done exhibitions such as flower shows, truck shows and car shows. I have also worked at the National Water Sports Centre and even had the opportunity to work as security at the Job Centre where my journey began.

The highlight for me in such a short time passing my course; was working the Commonwealth Games for the rugby, judo, and wrestling. I have done these jobs and more since getting my licence in June 2022 and life has become easier because of it; I now get to choose when and where I work each week. I would recommend this course to others for sure as it was a great experience.’

A learner's own words on how she has improved her life

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 10:09:56 UTC

Successful intervention

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 10:36:30 UTC

ESOL and Migration team success story

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 10:49:07 UTC

From CCC Intranet

Two former refugees have joined the Migration Team as apprentices to provide support to those who now share their past experiences.

For the Migration Team’s two new apprentices, 28-year old Sam Abdo and 22-year old Hafssa Al Rahmani, they are better placed than most to understand the needs, nerves, and mental wellbeing of new arrivals. 

Originating from Syria and Iraq respectively, Sam joins the team as an apprentice Project Officer, whilst Hafssa joins as an Administrative and Finance apprentice.  

Escaping the deteriorating situation in Syria, Sam fled to Iraq with his family in 2013 where he worked and studied for several years before moving to the UK in September 2019. 

Sam has a degree in Computer Science and much like Hafssa, can speak fluent Arabic and English. 

Unfortunately, Sam’s family were not accepted for the Syrian Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) and as such Sam still lives in the UK on his own. 

Similarly, Hafssa and her family were forced to flee Iraq to Jordan in 2009 as a direct result of threats of violence against her family after her father’s personal assistant was killed. 

Her father was the Head of Baghdad City Council and her mother worked at the Council as an Employability Officer.

With a new-born baby sister arriving in 2010, Hafssa’s father went back to Iraq to get her a passport so that he could remove his family away from the conflicts of the Middle East, as acquiring a passport was not possible from Jordan. 

This would be the last time Hafssa would see her father face-to-face for over a decade. 

Unable to return to his family and get them out of the country due to the escalating violence, Hafssa’s family became UN refugees whilst her father stayed behind in Iraq, where he still lives today. 

The only contact they have with one another is over the phone.

The UN supported the family by providing financial support and food vouchers.

Despite their difficult start in life, both have shown to be remarkable young people in more ways than one. 

To complement his degree and his apprenticeship, Sam has also been working with the Council supporting the Lateral Flow Testing programme - helping people to register their information, showing them how to take the test and more. 

He has also been working to attain both Maths and English GCSEs here in the UK to help progress his skillset.

Following in Sam’s footsteps, Hafssa has also stepped into the world of academia, starting an access course at Coventry University having previously spent 8 months volunteering with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the Central Library, supporting with ESOL classes and helping user’s check-out books. 

Hafssa also works part-time on the weekends at TK Maxx.

What our groups have been up to?

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 10:58:29 UTC

A heart warming story

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 10:59:56 UTC

Dad in court process to get unsupervised contact of his child. Attended PPP course which his partner attended too. Both enjoyed it, were engaged and found it useful. Tutors wrote statement for solicitor. At a court appearance on week 6 the judge said that contact can start after the end of this course. The group clapped spontaneously when Pete told us the outcome.

The healing power of painting

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 11:27:06 UTC

Being inspired

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 11:29:05 UTC

Pursuing a career as a zumba instructor

nemurphy2 — 2023-02-01 11:50:01 UTC

Learning is tailor-made to each learner's needs

2023-12-20 15:00:42 UTC

"We get a really personalised approach from our tutor despite we are working in a different work ...... the teacher is really professional they know each and every level." Quote from ESOL learner.

Learner Nominated for Adult Learning Award!

2023-12-20 15:04:37 UTC

An ESOL learner was nominated for the West Midlands Combined Authority adult learning award in 2023 for overcoming significant challenges and for being a positive, determined and supportive learner. She now volunteers to support other migrants with their English skills and volunteers in the community as well.

Dance course helped learner battle against long covid

2023-12-20 15:12:21 UTC

"When I first started in September 2022 long covid fatigue meant I could barely make it past 30 minutes in class. By July 2023 I have built up enough strength and focus that I can complete the whole class and memorise complicated dance sequences." Quote from learner on dance course.

Suffering from anxiety to starting her own business. A learner's journey with Coventry Adult Education.

2023-12-20 15:17:10 UTC

K suffered from severe anxiety which led to her having to leave her job. She enrolled on the 'All Things Lashes and Brows' course. The course developed her skills and confidence to perform beauty treatments in class in front of her classmates. As a result on a facial course that led to a qualification. She is now starting her own facial beauty business.

Audition for top Ballet Company. A learner's story

2023-12-20 15:22:57 UTC

A learner in a ballet improver class improved her skills to the point where she had the confidence and skills to audition for a dance part in the Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of 'Sleeping Beauty Dreams.'

On taking the audition the learner said .." it was a dream come true to dance and train in the Birmingham Royal Ballet studios .... It was amazing."

Son's solo makes mother cry!

2023-12-20 15:30:10 UTC

Independent living skills learners have given performances to groups in the community. One of the Learning Support Assistant's said, "it was so amazing. So many learners excelled.... M sang a solo and his mother cried."

Cooking at Broad Street

2023-12-20 15:34:25 UTC

The catering group at Broad Street prepare high quality food to serve to customers at the centre. The gardening group even grow the vegetables that the catering group use!

A mother of one learner in the catering group said, "(I'm) delighted with his progress ... doing a lot more cooking at home ... even tells me how to do things in the kitchen."