We recently spoke with Sarah, a remarkable Partners in Bristol alumni who has come full circle; now working as an IT Tutor for the same organisation that helped to launch her career.
Her story is truly one of resilience and a passion for helping others. Once facing unemployment as a single parent, Sarah enrolled on a course with Partners in Bristol.
Through dedication and hard work, she caught the attention of her tutor, who encouraged her to apply for an IT Tutor position when one became available. Today, she’s helping others to build the same skills that changed her career trajectory.
Speaking of her journey starting with Partners in Bristol, Sarah commented: “Prior to working at Partners in Bristol, I was unemployed and also a single parent, which made my employability prospects harder than they would be for other people.
“I did a course with Partners in Bristol, and I provided IT support to other students during the course and this flagged me up to my tutor as someone that was talented with IT; Partners in Bristol had a vacancy for an IT Tutor and he encouraged me to apply and here I am!”
She also delved into her personal academic background, adding: “I have a degree in Media and whilst I needed a lot of IT skills for that and for a lot of the software I use, I also have a personal background in teaching IT.
“I used to volunteer in a community charity hub, and I used to run drop-in sessions where I would teach people, especially older people, how to use their phones or smart tablets or laptops.”
Looking forward to her future steps, Sarah said: “I’m really keen to continue to settle in and be the best teacher that I can be.
“Lack of IT skills can be one of the biggest hindrances for getting in the workplace, as everything is so technology-based now. So, if I’m enabling people to get better jobs by providing them with IT skills, then I’m happy.”
Discussing what she would say to a prospective learner thinking of enrolling on a Partners in Bristol course, Sarah added: “I would say do your course, do the best that you can and never be afraid to ask your tutor for help because they’re always there to help you and make sure that you can pass the course.
“Keep your spirits up and take everything that you can from the course, always ask for help, do the best you can and dive into the opportunity that it gives you.”
To browse the opportunities that Partners in Bristol can offer you, simply click here.
