Janet Turner has thanked Loughborough College for its support through an apprenticeship which she says has ‘transformed’ her life.
“School was always a struggle for me. I was petrified I wouldn’t be able to do this apprenticeship but the College has been amazing and now I am looking at moving on to degree level,” said Janet, who has been studying with Loughborough College alongside working as a Business Development Officer for Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Eager to progress at work, Janet embarked on a Business apprenticeship with the College last year. “I used to work for Derbyshire Community Health Services but gave up when I had my son eight years ago. I was a child minder alongside caring for him and then when Jake went to school I went back to work. I’ve been with Derbyshire Healthcare for three years now but realized that although I have a lot of experience, if I want to advance I will need a degree.
“I took the first step by signing up with the College and was ready to learn – but was nervous because I had been away from education for so long.
“It was tough at first, to first study for my Maths level two within eight weeks and then to be faced with writing essays. It was a lot of work but I quickly began to really enjoy the course. My tutors Vicky and Alison at Loughborough College were so supportive and encouraging. Even if I didn’t say anything they would know if I was struggling. They understood me – and made it fun. They were wonderful.
“Before I knew it I was going from producing two pages to doing 3000 words – and still feeling I wanted to write more. Every time I got a merit or distinction I would text my husband – I felt so proud and he’s been so supportive.
“I feel I have grown in confidence. What I have learned enables me to make suggestions on how we can do things in our team at work - and my aim is to move onto a degree-level apprenticeship in Leadership and Management, which will hopefully open doors for me.
“When I was at school I was put in what used to be called the remedial class. It was only the brainy kids who got degrees. I would love to go back to my school and say, Look what I have achieved. It’s only been a relatively short space of time but my life has been transformed.”
Charlotte Hadley, Business Development Consultant at Loughborough College, added: “Janet was one of many adult learners joining us for an apprenticeship. But when she started, she was quite nervous about studying and gaining qualifications and wondered if she would be able to do it. Now she is looking to progress onto a degree programme with us!
“Janet had a great experience with her tutors Vicky Elston and Alison Corcoran and they, together with College lecturers and her employer, have provided Janet with lots of help, support and guidance. She has really gained in confidence and has a real drive to continue learning. Everyone involved in the apprenticeship delivery for Janet could not sing her praises more.”