“I have found studying at Middlesbrough College very inspiring and the experience has opened my eyes to what the College can offer people. Studying here has been a life changing experience.
“Prior to studying at the College, I was employed as a care manager where I worked with individuals with mental wellbeing problems. Whilst in this post I set up an outdoor programme with a local outdoor activity provider and I saw the benefits of outdoor adventure activities. These activities had a huge impact on the individual’s mental health, and it was then that I decided to change my career and follow my dream of working in the outdoor sector.
“After researching in to the sector I realised that I needed some academic qualifications to help me achieve my goals, so that’s why I decided to enrol on to the degree programme in Outdoor Adventure Education and Leadership at Middlesbrough College.
“I was apprehensive about returning to education having not studied in over twenty years and I also struggle with academia as I have dyslexia, but the tutors at Middlesbrough College were very supportive of me and helped me ease back in to education. The College also have an outstanding department that helped me with my dyslexia and a fantastic selection of resources from IT to literature in the LRC and outstanding sport and gym facilities and outdoor equipment.
“I would recommend studying the Outdoor Adventure degree programme at Middlesbrough College as it has helped me to gain employment as a Vocational Coach teaching outdoor adventure and education in the public services department at the College. I am currently completing my second year of study on the degree programme whilst working at the College and my goal is to complete a teaching qualification to become a qualified Instructor Demonstrator and Assessor.
“My degree has definitely help me gain new skills. The course has challenged me and allowed me to develop my self-esteem and confidence and I really enjoy the academic side of the course as it is helped me to gain new knowledge about my practice.
“As part of the course we have had the opportunity to go on a range of field trips. These trips have helped me to gain a better understanding of how the industry works and what employers require.
“There is also a friendly atmosphere when you walk around the campus- I feel very safe studying and working here. I hope to have a long and happy career working at Middlesbrough College in a sector that I feel very passionate about.”
Course: FD Outdoor Adventure Education and Leadership