Mum Lands Dream Jobs After Returning To Learning

Working mum Chris Darrell has found a job she loves after returning to learning with support from training and lifelong learning organisation ELWa.

Chris, 40, who lives in Berriew, had been a hairdresser and farmer but had a yearning to work with children and was given her chance on an ELWa work based learning programme for adults delivered by Powys Training's Welshpool office.

She made such a success of the programme that apart from achieving a National Vocational Qualification at level two in early years care and education, she has also been named Powys Training's Welshpool learner of the year.

She began with Powys Training on a STEPS course to build her confidence whilst also taking a course for teaching assistants at Coleg Powys in Newtown and was thrilled to be given a work placement at Berriew Primary School as a learning support assistant

She spent a year working with children on a variety of tasks and used her newly gained knowledge to devise a confidentiality policy for the school.

Following the placement and NVQ success, she has now obtained a paid post as a learning support assistant at Arddleen Primary School, near Welshpool and also works part-time as a classroom assistant at Welshpool High School.

"It's a bit like a fairytale because everything seems to have fallen right," said Chris. "I am really pleased that I pursued this career because it feels right and I enjoy my job.

"I am very grateful for all the support that I've received and I would recommend returning to learning to everyone. When you mature you probably make better decisions about what you want to do. My ambition now is to ensure that I do my job to the best of my ability."

Nick Wedge, Powys Training's Welshpool centre manager, said Chris had completed her NVQ to a high standard and Berriew Primary School headteacher Catherine Carter had described her as a great asset who would be greatly missed

"She is very appreciative of the support she has received and we were all impressed by her excellent attitude and commitment to learning," he added.

Picture caption:
Berriew Primary School headteacher Catherine Carter (left) presents Chris Darrell with Powys Training's Welshpool learner of the year award.