‘This course has motivated me far beyond what I expected’

For many, the draw of work-based learning is its flexibility and the ability to gain new skills within work hours. For teaching assistant Karen De Freitas this freedom was essential to fit around her role as a parent.

Karen wanted to upskill but she needed a course to work around her job in a primary school, that’s when she found the Level 3 Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification (STLS) with ACT.

The qualification provides learners with an enhanced understanding of their roles and responsibilities in an education setting, developing their professionalism, knowledge and confidence in their work with children and colleagues.

“It was a course I could do while working,” Karen explained. “Flexibility was key. I was able to improve my literacy and numeracy skills and enhance my knowledge within the role.”

As well as improving essential skills in the application of numbers and communication, Karen found that the qualification gave her a confidence boost.

“I’m a better teaching assistant than I was before. I am more secure and confident in what I am doing. I no longer feel unqualified.”

Talking about the practicalities of completing a qualification while working, Karen said: “It was great because I was able to work at my own pace and in my own space. The deadlines were achievable.

“My assessor, Charlotte, was wonderful. There were two occasions where I was close to quitting. Nothing to do with the course, but to do with confidence and resilience. When I had my meetings with Charlotte, her encouragement and boosts were a relief and a push for me to finish my course. And I did it.

My employer was also encouraging and helpful. They were great in giving Charlotte a chance to go and assess me at work.”

Despite some hurdles along the way, Karen has the learning bug and has now set her sights on an even bigger challenge.

She said: “This course, my colleagues and Charlotte have motivated me to go far beyond what I expected – as far as wanting to get a degree. I have taken the plunge and I am a university woman now, just waiting to start on the next adventure.”

Asked if she had any words of encouragement for someone on the fence as to whether to take up a course, Karen said: “Do it, it is a wonderful chance to learn new things and get your brain going. If you are a mum like me it is a chance to do something for yourself. You do it in the comfort of your home, with loads of support, and you are never alone in the course.”

If you would like to explore work-based learning options, find out more here.