Mark Williams
Mark Williams
Course studied – Level 3 Award in Education and Training
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to enrol in the Level 3 Award in Education and Training at UCR?
‘I am a graduate (from a long time ago) engineer working within heavy industry, and with my previous employer (Liberty Steel Group), I was developing conversion training modules as a pilot scheme with college staff within the company’s training centre to provide basic electrical training to plumbers. As such, it was thought beneficial that a recognised qualification would aid the internal assessment process.’
Were there any specific factors (e.g. career change, professional development, personal interest) that influenced your decision to pursue this qualification?
‘It is my intention to utilise this qualification – either with my new employer (if opportunity allows), or working with a professional commercial training organisation as I move closer to and during retirement.’
How did you experience the teaching methods used by your tutors?
‘The material, pace and subject matter were excellent, with a few positive surprises (regarding my preconceptions) along the way.’
Mark Williams“I learned more about myself in addition to gaining new skills.”
Did you feel the course adequately prepared you for the practical aspects of education and training?
‘Yes. I already had some experience teaching at an FE college about ten years ago, and more recently, to peers and shift personnel at Liberty Steel. The University Centre Rotherham course professionalises what I will do going forward.’
How do you find the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the course?
‘Theory was always backed-up by examples and classroom exercises with plenty of feedback and support, should this be required.
The micro-teach sessions were brilliant; it made me consider material, delivery and supporting resources to successfully deliver technical material in an entertaining, engaging and accessible way, with consideration to those without any prior knowledge.
For me, the micro-teach and reflection was possibly the highlight of the course.’
How accessible and supportive were the learning resources provided (e.g., library, online learning platform, study materials)?
‘Excellent onsite library and learning facilities available. Overall, good IT access to materials/logging in, which became more challenging when I changed jobs. That said, the tutor went beyond the call of duty to ensure submission was always possible if there were IT glitches.’
How would you describe the support you received from your tutors throughout the course? Were they approachable and helpful?
‘Excellent throughout. Beth is a superb lecturer, who made all the material engaging and interesting. Always received comprehensive assignment feedback and rigour, and Beth was always approachable, nothing too much trouble, and a pleasure to work with.’
Beth, one of Mark’s tutors“Mark already had experience delivering training in his role and brought a calm, supportive presence to every session. He was always open to feedback and showed a genuine commitment to developing his practice, regularly contributing insights and reflections that supported the group.”
“During the course, he transitioned into a new job role, where his professionalism and positive attitude will no doubt be a real asset. His kind words about the course were a lovely reflection of the experience.”
What advice would you give to prospective learners considering the Level 3 Award in Education and Training at University Centre Rotherham?
‘Do it. Even if your circumstances change during the course (as mine did), not a moment is wasted; I learned more about myself in addition to gaining new skills.’
How have the smaller class sizes affected your learning experience?
‘The group was small, but highly diverse, in both career and societal backgrounds, which put me outside of my ‘technology-oriented comfort zone’, for which I benefitted. I worked with and learned much about my fellow students.
Everyone brought something to the course which was co-ordinated and managed very well by the tutor.’
What are your next steps and future plans after completing the course?
‘If there is an opportunity at my current employer, this qualification will no doubt be useful. In the absence of in-house opportunities, I can take-up training positions into retirement – either part-time, full-time, or delivery contractor. There is much potential flexibility.’
Find out more about Education courses at University Centre Rotherham
