Newly qualified teacher Ellen Hudson-Barrett is looking forward to putting her new skills into practice – for the organisation that trained her.
Ellen has landed a full-time teaching job with Leeds City College after completing her PGCE with University Centre Leeds (UC Leeds) in May.
Ellen started her educational journey with Luminate Education Group* some six years ago, when she studied for a Level 3 qualification in Computer Science and Networking with the college.
She then moved on to UC Leeds to do first a Foundation Degree, then a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Networking (top-up), and finally her teacher training.
Looking ahead to teaching digital and IT courses at the college’s Printworks campus, she said: “I was nervous at the beginning of my PGCE, not knowing what to expect.
Help always there, from start to finish
“But from day one the tutors put me at ease. Everything that we needed was provided at the beginning of the year, and we had a few weeks of classroom lessons before starting placements, to allow us time to find our feet.
“My tutors were always on hand for help and support when I needed it, and the placement mentors were able to provide subject-specific advice during planning sessions and reflections.
“I would recommend this course to anyone looking for a career in teaching, because from start to finish everyone was keen and available to help and support.”
A passion for teaching
In fact, Ellen has been delighted with her whole learning journey with the group, and especially UC Leeds.
She added: “Having studied my BSc and PGCE through the University Centre, it is definitely somewhere I would recommend. I liked the smaller class sizes and more personal teaching, where you were able to get support when you needed it.
“All my tutors over the past four years have been passionate about what they teach and I am looking forward to being able to do the same this year, having successfully secured a full-time teaching position with Leeds City College.
“I am looking forward to the start of my teaching career and all the challenges ahead.”
We offer a wide range of teacher training courses at UC Leeds, including a Post-14 Education and Training Certificate in Education, with full and part time study options available.
Places are still available for this September’s intake, if applicants ask fast – click here to find out more.
You may also be eligible to apply for a teaching bursary to support your studies. More details on that are available here.
*UC Leeds and Leeds City College are both members of Luminate Education Group.