Access to Higher Education course unlocks opportunities for Barnsley College tutor
A former student at Barnsley College (@barnsleycollege) has praised the Access to Higher Education course that has allowed her to progress from foundation education to teaching at the College.
Aneta Worku, who is originally from Poland, attended Barnsley College in 2015 with hopes that improving her business knowledge would further her career at Next PLC, where she was a Warehouse Operative.
She was enrolled on the Access to HE Business course – a Level 3 qualification that is designed to provide academic support for those who do not possess the entry requirements for a university-level course.
After finishing this course, Aneta went on to study for a Foundation Degree in Business, whilst continuing to work full-time and raising two daughters. It was during this time that her tutors recognised her natural affinity for teaching.
She said: “One day in one of my classes, I presented a business idea. My amazing tutors talked to me and asked why I am not teaching. I thought returning to teaching was a great idea, as I was a German and Russian teacher in college about 20 years ago in Poland.
“After completing my Foundation Degree in Business, a training provider offered me a job as a Business, Warehousing and ICT teacher, then in November 2020, I returned to Barnsley College to work as a Business and ICT tutor. Now I am ‘selling’ the knowledge gained in Barnsley College to the students I am teaching!
“The access to HE course gave me the confidence I needed to advance my career. I would recommend it to anyone who lacks confidence in themselves – particularly if they lack a formal education, or if they speak English as a second language. The best thing about it is that it isn’t patronising or too challenging: it allows students to build upon their existing skillset and progress their studies naturally.”
John Green, Head of the Business, Warehousing and Logistics Department at Barnsley College, added:
“We are immensely proud of Aneta’s progress, and equally proud to have her on board as part of our teaching staff. She is a fantastic tutor and her story is a prime example of how the Access to HE course can give students a much-needed career boost. I hope that, in the coming years, we see more students pass through our university-level courses to become teachers, lecturers and tutors!”
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