For Alfie, studying his PGCE in FE & Skills at University Centre Somerset (UCS) was the first step towards a career where he could make a difference to the next generation of students.
Today, Alfie is Course Leader for Performing Arts at Strode College – the same college where he completed his teaching placement.
Finding his path into teaching
Alfie chose to study a PGCE in FE & Skills at UCS to develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in education.
As part of his course, Alfie completed a teaching placement at Strode College. With support and guidance from his Course Leader, Ziggi, he was placed in an environment where he felt comfortable and happy, giving him the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a real educational setting.
My highlight at UCS was being put on a placement that I was really comfortable and happy in. My Course Leader made sure it was suitable and her guidance was great.
The placement became an important part of Alfie’s journey into teaching, allowing him to put what he was learning into practice and experience life within a college environment.
A full-circle moment
After completing his PGCE, Alfie continued his career in education and eventually returned to Strode College – this time as Course Leader for Performing Arts.
For Alfie, working at the same college where he completed his placement has made his journey feel particularly special.
Today, Alfie supports students studying Performing Arts, helping them develop both their confidence and their skills.
Making a difference to students
For Alfie, one of the most rewarding parts of his role is seeing the growth in the students he teaches.
The best part about my job is seeing students come in with no confidence and seeing the growth and development in them, doing something that they couldn’t do before.
For him, teaching isn’t simply about passing on knowledge. It’s about helping students recognise what they’re capable of and seeing them achieve things they may not have thought possible.
Alfie’s advice
Looking back on his time at UCS, Alfie’s advice to anyone considering a career in teaching is to just go with it and trust the process.
The skills he developed during his PGCE have proved transferable across different educational settings, giving him a strong foundation for his career in education.
You don’t necessarily have to know exactly where your career will take you when you start your studies. Developing your skills, gaining experience and trusting the process can open up opportunities along the way.
Find out more about Teaching & Training at UCS
https://www.somerset.ac.uk/study/subject-areas/teaching-training/