Ashleigh had always wanted to do some coaching and mentoring training but didn’t know how to go about it. Having a passion of working with young people and spending time working as a supply teacher, Ashleigh felt the programme was the right thing for her to do! Having previous teaching experience, Ashleigh was hoping to combine that with coaching and mentoring training to transition into something other than purely teaching. Read on below to hear more from Ashleigh!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
Teaching has been my career, and specifically helping primary school pupils with special educational needs. I have had experience of working in a variety of schools over the last six years. My passion has always been working with young people. I was working as a supply teacher before I started the programme but was on a zero-hour contract. I had no job security, and my work fluctuated a lot, it was just, ‘as and when’.

How did you find out about the training?
I attended a jobs fair in Walsall and met two staff members from Release Potential who told me about the L3 Coaching and Mentoring course. They gave me the information I needed, and after a follow up call, I felt it was the right thing for me to do.

Why did you decide to join?
I’ve always wanted to do some coaching and mentoring training. I was looking, but didn’t know how to go about it, so the meeting at the jobs fair came at a good time. The course itself seemed achievable, the level suited me, and the time commitment was right.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The course was applicable to me in a variety of ways. It was useful for the settings I had been working in and my career aspirations. The course tutor, Owen, was engaging and I enjoyed completing the activities we had to do. I think completing the course has made me more employable and given me the confidence to apply for different types of roles. I feel more knowledgeable now.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
No, but I was looking to transition from a purely teaching role into something different, which would enable me to combine my teaching skills with coaching and mentoring.

What are you doing now?
I’ve obtained a role as a Schools Employability Officer with a local council. I’ll be working with secondary school pupils from the ages of 14-17, at risk of NEET, have got special educational needs, or might be classed as vulnerable. I’ll be delivering coaching and mentoring in both group workshops and on a one-to-one basis, encouraging young people to continue with their education, offer CV support, let them know of available opportunities such as apprenticeships, and help them build their confidence and employability skills.

What impact has the training had on your life?
I’ve grown in confidence. I know the skills I’ve obtained from the course have also made me more employable, as I’ve had more success in gaining interviews since. It helped me to obtain my new role. It’s also enabled me to network more, and I’ve kept in touch with others from the course who have similar interests to me.

What are your plans for the future?
My new job as a Schools Employability Officer is a full-time fixed contract for a year. I think I’ll always work with young and vulnerable people. Eventually, I would like to gain a more senior role in the future, that is my goal.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I would strongly encourage them to go for it, you have everything to gain from an opportunity like this.