Lifelong Learning: From Motor Vehicle Technician to Digital Skills Educator

Here at the University of Huddersfield, our Lifelong Learning teacher training courses are designed to equip professionals with the skills, confidence and recognised qualifications they need to inspire learners aged 16 and over. 

Whether you're already working in a specialist field – such as construction, engineering, health and social care or beauty - or looking to share your knowledge in subjects like English, maths or social sciences, our flexible, part-time routes into teaching allow you to continue your career while training to make a real difference in education.

From colleges and sixth forms to workplaces and prisons, the Lifelong Learning sector offers a unique and rewarding way to support others on their journey to upskill, retrain or achieve new qualifications.

In this blog, Dawn shares her inspiring journey from working as a Motor Vehicle Technician to becoming a Community Teacher in ICT and Digital Skills. She reflects on how the course has helped her grow both academically and professionally, the strong support network she’s had throughout, and how creating and delivering a brand-new Games Design course became one of her proudest achievements.

 

Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself and why you decided to teach your chosen subject?

I was working as a technician in the Motor Vehicle department when we completed the Essential Digital Skills Entry Level 3 exam for all staff. After helping my colleagues with their mock exams, I was approached and asked if I’d be interested in applying for the role of Trainee Teacher of ICT and Digital Skills with the Language and Literacy Resource (LAL). I applied - and got the job. I’ve always had an interest in computing and found it something I could pick up easily.

How has the Lifelong Learning course supported you in your teaching journey?  

I’ve not only enhanced my academic skills, but more importantly, I’ve learnt how to be an effective teacher working with adults in the community. The course has helped me improve my questioning techniques and refine the way I deliver lessons. It has also taught me the importance of adapting my teaching to meet learners’ needs and help them succeed.

What would you say to someone who is considering studying the Lifelong Learning course?

If you’ve ever been interested in teaching, this course supports you in every aspect. It introduces you to the theory behind different teaching methods such as pedagogy while helping you improve your own delivery as you work. I completed the course part-time while working full-time as a teacher. Although it was a lot of extra work, I found it really beneficial because I could immediately apply what I was learning in my own classroom.

Teaching is such a rewarding career whether you’re teaching children, young adults or older adults and being able to help learners achieve and surpass their goals is amazing.

What was the support from your tutors like?

I received strong support not only from my course tutor but also from my manager and wider team. My tutor ensured I understood both the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching, and why each is important. My manager supported my development by assigning a mentor to guide me and ensure I had the help I needed throughout the course.

Can you tell us more about the mentoring you received?

My mentor was always available to answer questions and support me, not only with coursework but also with the practical aspects of my teaching role. We had weekly meetings covering a wide range of topics, from the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) Standards to lesson planning, class needs, and my progress.

Observations from my tutor, followed by constructive feedback, also helped me improve my practice. My tutor has been a fantastic source of support both in and outside of class.

What have been your key achievements?

My biggest achievement was designing and delivering the first Level 1 Games Design and Development course with a colleague. I was asked to lead on the course, with support, as I’m the gamer in the team. It was something I never imagined I’d be doing when I started the course, but it was a great success. The awarding body, Gateway, gave high praise for the first cohort.

Another achievement I’m proud of is how much I’ve improved both my teaching and academic practice. I’ve never considered myself particularly academic, but completing this course has changed my perspective and shown me what I’m capable of achieving.

Find out more about our Lifelong Learning courses - https://www.hud.ac.uk/subjects/teacher-training/lifelong-learning/