Cambridge Regional College - International

Originally I was a student of Cambridge Regional College in 1986-1988 studying BTEC OND in Computing and continued to a degree in Software Engineering for Real Time Systems at Anglia Polytechnic University. I joined an Electronics distributor straight from Anglia for whom I worked with for 5 years, starting on the support desk and finishing as General Manager for the group of companies.

I joined Cambridge Regional College as an employee in 1997 to work alongside the then Communication Systems Manager heading up the Colleges IT, subsequently being promoted to Head of Communications and IT and taking over responsibility for all Telephone systems in 1999.

I have worked for the College for 12 years and having been a student of the College I can really appreciate the value a Further Education College gives to someone starting a Technical career. My day to day job at CRC allows me to work with a dedicated team of Engineers, supporting all the students and staff. It’s a challenging role, with no two days ever the same.

I was born in Lithuania and came to Cambridge in 2004. I am currently employed as a Fitness and Classes Co-ordinator in the Sports Centre but have had several roles within the College prior to being promoted to this position.

My first role here was as a morning Cleaner following which I became a full time Janitor. I completed an ESOL course to learn English and as my English improved I had the opportunity to work in the Facilities department as a Caretaker and the Engineering department as a Welding Technician.

As I had an interest in sport and fitness I also completed my YMCA level 2 fitness instructor qualification and began working in the sports centre on a part time basis. Once qualified in 2007 I was employed as a full time Sports Centre Assistant. I was then promoted to my current role in September 2009. My main duties include co-ordinatining exercise classes and inductions for students, college staff and public activities and running promotions.

I really love my job and working for the College, as everyday I meet people of different backgrounds in the gym and feel I can really help them achieve their goals. My colleagues are fantastic, as are the college facilities, and what’s great is that I get to work out here too, brilliant!

It was just 7 years ago when I had my leg amputated, although I never imagined that I could be so active and work in the sports industry. It just goes to show that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

I joined CRC in November 2003 and have been working here for 6 years. I’m a profoundly Deaf member of staff and use British Sign Language (BSL) as my preferred mode of communication.

I obtained a BA (Hons) degree in Deaf Studies at the University of Central Lancashire, which is specifically relevant to the role I perform at CRC. I went on to study to become a qualified lecturer and completed my Cert Ed course within 2 years at CRC. I was also trained to become an A1 Assessor for NVQ Level 3 in British Sign Language and also to teach the BSL Level 3 course, through a training scheme run in partnership between the RNID and CRC.

My biggest achievement is being shortlisted for the STAR Awards this year; it is a national award to recognise achievement within Further Education.

I truly enjoy my role because it is all about supporting young d/Deaf adults to achieve their goals and dreams. The opportunity to portray myself as a Deaf role model is particularly important and has a positive impact on the lives of young d/Deaf individuals at CRC, as I am able to share their experience and mentor them through difficult times. CRC is a good place to work because every day is challenging and we all work together as a team. It is a supportive environment with increasing numbers of students and there are lots of opportunities to promote Equality and Diversity in a positive way.

I joined CRC on 1 December 1994 as a Finance Officer. I later became the Assistant Finance Manager and now my title is Payroll, Capital & Treasury Manager.

I left school at 18 in 1974 with 5 O Levels and 1 CSE. After a couple of false starts I settled in to work and did 2 more O Levels at evening classes. Prior to joining the College I had a variety of jobs including working for The Inland Revenue (4 years) and Mobil Data Services (MDSL), part of the Mobil Oil Group (9 years). When at MDSL I worked in accounting functions and then they trained me as a computer programmer.

In 1990 I moved to Cambridge and wanted to do something more so I took A level accounting at CRC. When I saw the vacancy here in the Finance Office I applied and was successful. Since then I have gone on to complete the Association of Accounting Technician qualification and I am now a Fellow Member.

In October 2007 I became Support Staff Governor of the College. This means I am a staff representative at Corporation Meetings and I also sit on two Governor Committees. This has given me a far greater understanding of the College and it is a privilege to be able to contribute and ‘give something back’.

The College is constantly changing, growing and improving so there are always challenges to meet. I love working here as everyday is different and I never know how each day will unfold but the job satisfaction is great.

I am now 60 years of age and instead of looking towards retirement, thanks to the Cambridge Regional College, I am now focusing on a new career as a Trainer/Assessor in the Academy of Engineering.

My working career started as an apprentice in mechanical engineering I’ve had a go at a few different career changes but engineering has always remained my passion. I qualified as an engineer in 1970 and worked for Perkins Engines for over 11 years.

In the 1980’s I became self employed, running my own businesses. These included a Public House, Hotel, Employment Bureau and Estate agency. During the 1990’s I was elected as a Councillor for Cambridge City Council a post I held for 8 years and gave up to concentrate on pursuing my Open University Degree in Engineering.

Whilst studying for my degree I was fortunate to secure a job that brought me back into Engineering. I worked for Cambridge University as a research Technician in the Chemical Engineering Department. In 2007 I took early retirement from Cambridge University. This is where Cambridge Regional College came into my life. I started here in December 2007 as an Engineering Technician, and quickly progressed to an Assessor /Trainer, Tutor, part-time Lecturer and Work Based Trainer. I can now honestly say that despite all my varied careers changes, I feel I have at last found my vocation. Over these past 3 years I have successfully finished the Certificate in Education course, an Assessor qualification and am delighted to be able to pursue a teaching career. I am finding the role very rewarding and get a real buzz out of imparting my knowledge and experience to the students I teach and really feel I make a difference to their futures.

Cambridge Regional College has been very supportive in my studies, and learning support. When I was diagnosed with dyslexia, I was greatly supported by the college staff and given all the resources and help I required to succeed.

I joined the College in September 2002 as a Learning Support Assistant working with students with moderate /serve learning difficulties. As an LSA I assist in identifying the individual learning needs of students and work alongside teaching staff within a wide variety of teaching situations in order to provide appropriate support to individual students.

During my time here I have had the opportunity to carry out various job related in-house training courses to update my knowledge and skills including deaf awareness and supporting students with Epilepsy training. I have also successfully completed my ITQ level 2 and OCR level 2 in supporting teaching and learning.

I enjoy working within a friendly professional team and with the students, seeing them develop and reach new goals. CRC has helped me to achieve, progress and gain confidence in my role as an LSA which I am now happy extends to include team teaching independent living skills lessons.

I am an overseas trained, qualified and experienced teacher and teacher trainer in the field of Early Years. During the past 32 years, I have been involved on a regular basis at national, regional and international levels to assist in the implementation of policy decisions and training programmes linked to Young Child Development & Survival. Since 1979, I have been contributing as a resource person in UNICEF/UNDP/UNESCO assisted programme for children.

My homeland is Mauritius, most of my education and professional training/qualifications are from here, however, I benefitted from some fellowships from the Ministry of foreign Affairs, Denmark (1982), British Council-UK (1983), National Council for Education Research & Technology, India and the French Embassy to further my training in the field of Early Years.

From February 2002 to August 2003, I was employed as a nursery teacher in the Borough of Tower Hamlets and in July 2003, I obtained my MA in Mass Communications from the University of Leicester where I am registered as a Life-long member of the Graduates Association.

I joined CRC in October 2008 and life here as a professional represents big challenges with lots of opportunities. Beyond the core elements of teaching and learning, each day is full of events and support to meet the needs and aspirations of everyone. From day one in CRC, you are empowered to master your new environment and understand the tasks ahead. Both your mentor and colleagues make you feel welcome and offer a friendly working environment. The resources available and regular training contribute largely to consolidate and increase your self-confidence as a new member of staff.

The students and all members of staff are great. At CRC everyone is valued and treated equally.

I have worked as the printmaking technician in the Arts academy at Cambridge Regional College since July 2000.

As a mature student I returned to education to study for an ‘A’ level in art & design and then a one year Art Foundation course, both at Cambridge Regional College. On completion I studied for a Degree in Two Dimensional Design at the University of Hertfordshire. In my second year I received the EDEXCEL Student of the year award, graduating in my third year with a First class Honours Degree.

Since working at Cambridge Regional College I have gone from being a part time to full time Print technician. I have taught printmaking leisure classes, and I am now teaching a variety of art subjects on National Diploma courses such as graphics, textiles and print media, whilst studying for my DTTLS qualification.

I have also been allowed to extend my professional development by studying part time for an MA in Printmaking at ARU, graduating in 2008.

My role within Cambridge Regional College is diverse, challenging and multi faceted, and every day is different. I really enjoy getting to know staff and students and I hope that I can assist them to achieve their full potential.

I have been working for CRC for 1 year as an NVQ Assessor and Internal Verifier and I have just completed my probationary period. I received a thorough induction into the college systems and processes and was quickly integrated into a very welcoming and supportive Team.

My previous role was also within the Education Sector. I worked at Huntingdonshire Regional College as an NVQ Admin Co-ordinator for a small team, and so was fully aware of the challenge that this new role would give me. I was keen to widen my horizons and enhance my skills and knowledge by working with a larger team and different Awarding Bodies.

Since joining CRC I have been given numerous opportunities to undertake training and development and I have been encouraged to contribute to developing and improving working practices. I recently undertook a PTLLS qualification which I found very informative and beneficial to my role.

I have been very impressed with the overall support, resources and facilities available, all of which have assisted me greatly with my role. I look forward to the future and furthering my career within CRC.