learndirect: Window to a brighter future
Having searched for a course for over thirteen years, 48 year old general manager Kevin Cole was ready to give up when he spotted an advert for learndirect in Technical Professional magazine.
“I’d worked at City Glass for over fifteen years as general manager and I knew the job inside out. I felt ready for a bigger challenge and found the Learning through Work programme could help me achieve exactly what I was looking for.
“When I saw the ad’ it seemed to offer something which I felt could suit my needs. I had been on numerous courses in the past but couldn’t commit to be in a certain place, at a certain time every week as work had to come first. It was also difficult to find a course which was relevant to me and the industry I work in.
“ Learning through Work was different; learndirect allowed me to choose when to study and where to study and Wakefield College claimed to be able to design a course which met my needs. My day to day work would also contribute towards my qualification. There is a fair bit of work involved in carrying out research for the different assignments but I have acquired new skills and knowledge.
“I enrolled onto Learning through Work to complete a foundation degree in conjunction with Wakefield College and the course was tailored to suit me. I designed a degree which focussed on glass manufacturing and logistics and the college worked with me to ensure it met with examiners standards.
“Learning through Work means exactly that, your work actually acts as evidence of your competencies. I can complete a task at work and then submit a similar thing for my degree, which saves time and energy and makes the course more relevant to me.
“I did have a few concerns before enrolling: I was concerned about the standard of work the assessors would be looking for and was not confident that I could achieve it but because the course was tailored to my work I’ve been surprised at how much I know.
“I was also concerned that I wouldn’t be able to find the time as I have a full time job, three kids and I’m assistant manager of a youth football team but studying hasn’t impacted on any of these things as I decide when and where to fit it in. I set time aside every week and set achievable targets to keep me motivated.
“Most of my study is done at home and I stay in contact with my college tutor online through the learndirect website which is really helpful as I can quickly clarify exactly what is required in each module.
“Learning through Work makes the modules you study relevant and one of the biggest benefits is that you can see the impact of your learning as the skills are directly transferable and applied every day at work.
“Since enrolling on the course I have become Company Director of City Glass which is exactly the challenge I had been looking for. I now manage all areas of the company and look after the 30-strong workforce. Primarily I control costings, technical issues and oversee all surveying and production issues.
“Whilst I have been studying with learndirect I have taken over ownership of the company and the new skills I have acquired have proved an invaluable aid.”