Lifelong Learning: From Early Years Practitioner to Passionate 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, Sarah shares their inspiring journey from working in the Early Years sector to becoming a qualified educator through the Lifelong Learning PGCE course. They reflect on how the course has deepened their understanding of teaching and learning, the invaluable support from mentors and tutors, and the rewarding experience of building meaningful relationships with their students.

 

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

I’ve worked in the Early Years sector for eight years, studying alongside my roles. I started as an apprentice and continued my studies through to BA level. After completing my degree, I spent a year in a management role within Early Years. During this time, I discovered a real passion for supporting practitioners - helping them develop their skills and encouraging their enthusiasm for the work. However, this can be difficult while working hands-on in nurseries, where day-to-day responsibilities often take priority.

This realisation led me to explore how I could dedicate more time to that passion. Inspired by the tutors I had during my studies, I discovered the opportunity to pursue a PGCE, which would enable me to support adult learners in developing their Early Years practice. Being able to work with students who share my passion for Early Years and education and contributing meaningfully to their development by drawing on my own experiences, has been incredibly fulfilling. The teaching I’ve done this year has brought me so much joy.

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

Having access to fantastic tutors who shared their experiences within the lifelong learning sector has been instrumental in shaping my own teaching practice. It gave me the skills and pedagogical knowledge needed to teach my subject effectively to diverse groups of students.

The freedom to develop my own teaching approaches, combined with ongoing support to grow and improve, has been key to my progress. The placement support I received was excellent and tailored to my individual journey into the sector.

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

Go for it! It’s a challenge - you’ll have fantastic days and some tougher ones - but it’s without doubt the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. You’ll be supported by expert tutors throughout the journey, and the group you complete your PGCE with will likely become lifelong friends, having shared the experience together.

What was the support from your tutors like?

I had fantastic tutors who shared their knowledge and skills to help me develop my own teaching approaches. They were always available to answer questions and worked hard to create a supportive, friendly classroom environment, something that’s essential on a challenging course like this.

Can you tell us more about the mentoring you received?

My mentor went above and beyond to support me. From the very beginning, she showed that she trusted me and had confidence in my ability to lead classes independently, while always being available if I needed her. She provided excellent resources to guide my planning and offered constructive feedback well in advance of lessons.

She understood how challenging the PGCE can be and was always there with both personal and academic support, a listening ear and expert guidance whenever I faced obstacles. She gently pushed me forward with love when I doubted myself and helped me build my confidence. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.

What have been your key achievements?

My biggest achievement has been proving to myself that I could complete the course. The full-time PGCE is intense, and there were moments when I doubted my ability to balance both teaching and meeting the academic demands. But with dedication and commitment, I pushed through the challenges and succeeded. I couldn’t have done it without the support and motivation from my mentor and classmates.

What I’m proudest of this year is the professional relationships I’ve built with my students. I worked with a range of cohorts, including some learners who lacked confidence or needed additional support with academic skills. By forming strong, supportive relationships, I was able to mentor them through the year and help them grow both personally and academically. Many achieved great outcomes in their studies, and their feedback reflected the positive impact of our work together - they felt supported, valued, and appreciated the guidance I offered.

Seeing their development throughout the year has been the most rewarding part of my PGCE, and I look forward to hearing how they continue to flourish in the future.

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