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Alumni student Matthew is back at Middlesbrough College on the other side of the classroom 

31 Mar 2022
Matthew Rowden

Matthew first came to study at Middlesbrough College back in 2013. He completed the first year of his Level 3 Diploma in Business and then progressed to a Hospitality Management apprenticeship with his part-time employer Pizza Hut. After completing his apprenticeship, Matthew returned to Middlesbrough College to complete a degree in Business Management with Marketing.   

Matthew said: “I had a really good experience studying at Middlesbrough College. The College has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and the staff are very supportive. I would recommend studying here! It is a fantastic alternative to a traditional University and the perfect option if you want to stay close to home and gain a valuable degree qualification. There is so much support on offer, including 1:1 sessions and small class sizes.”  

After successfully completing his degree, Matthew progressed to a role within marketing for a company based in Scotland. However, the talented Teessider missed his hometown and decided to move back home. He said: “I’m Middlesbrough born and bred, and I love living here! I know that this is where I want to be.”   

After moving back home, Matthew gained employment at Key Stage Recruitment, working in a local secondary school as a Teaching Assistant. He then moved to East Durham College to a similar role, assisting students with special educational needs. It was these experiences that sparked his inspiration to pursue a career in teaching. As fate would have it, Matthew’s former University tutor, Nick Tanner, got in touch with him to inform him about the exciting teaching opportunities that were happening at Middlesbrough College. Matthew jumped at the chance, applied, impressed, and was successful! Now, he has a teaching position in the College’s business department, teaching first year Level 3 business students and the Access to Higher Education Diploma in business.   

Matthew said: “Some would say that I’m a natural born teacher as I’ve always enjoyed helping and guiding others to succeed. I remember at school I was always helping my friends with their maths homework and when I was working at Pizza Hut I helped to train new staff members in their role. Teaching has always come quite naturally to me, and I really enjoy it!  

“It’s so strange that I’m now teaching the units that I used to study here, but I’m absolutely loving it! Coming to study at Middlesbrough College was one of the best decisions I have ever made.   

“My former tutors are now my colleagues which still feels very strange, but they are very supportive and I’m really enjoying working with them. I can’t thank them enough for all their support.  

“The College are also supporting me through a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education: Education and Training. I’m excited to study here again and inspire future generations.  

“If you want to get a degree but don’t want to move away from home, I would encourage you to consider studying for a University qualification at Middlesbrough College. The support is second to none and the College have helped me thrive in my career.”   

Middlesbrough College offer a range of University level qualifications, taught at their brand-new University Centre. Find out more and apply today.   

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