After A levels I had no intention of going to university. If I’d have gone it would have been for the wrong reasons. Initially (after sixth form) I worked part‑time and went through many interviews until gaining an apprenticeship with Kier – working on projects related to the Suffolk Highways maintenance contract. Through this I started a level three apprenticeship and after two years of hard work, I was given the opportunity to study on a degree apprenticeship. Typically over the course of the five year programme, I committed around ten to 12 hours a week and I absolutely enjoyed the experience. I was lucky enough to study with a good group. I was 20 when I started out and I remember a five year commitment was a bit daunting initially. But I felt at the time that doing this was the best opportunity. at gaining a solid professional career. The course (at University of Suffolk at Suffolk New College) was perfect for me – it was challenging and covered topics fundamental to engineering knowledge. We also had excellent staff who always made themselves available to you and guided you when you needed it. We had frank discussions at times but it was all about trying to get the best out of us – I couldn’t speak highly enough of the lecturers. Now I’ve completed this course, I want to continue with my professional development and hope to gain chartered engineering status eventually.

I did a degree in animal behaviour and welfare straight after sixth form and tried to get a job in this industry. I wasn’t able to do so – therefore I originally started out as a cleaner in a school. Whilst doing this, I was offered the chance to do some safeguarding training and this really sparked an interest in education and I managed to get a job as a teaching assistant. I loved the ‘buzziness’ of school. I then moved to Suffolk New College to work in student support and in 2021, I got a job as a progress tutor. I enjoy helping students and there is nothing more satisfying then hearing back from them and finding out they have gone on to do something that they really enjoy. As part of my current role, I teach and that is why I went back into higher education to gain a teaching qualification. The two year part time programme was a really good experience. The teachers were friendly, helpful and supportive. I’d say to others that the benefit of higher education is that if you have a specific passion you can really focus on that can take you to a whole new level of learning. Although I’m happy with what I’m doing, I’d love to become an animal behaviour teacher – long term that is my aim.