Once the children reached school age, Dave decided that it was time to return to education at Northern Regional College and completed Essential Skills in Application of Number Level 2 in 2010 followed by Essential Skills in Literacy and ICT in 2012.
Dave decided that having enjoyed his time at the College as well as looking after his children that he wanted to explore working with children as a full-time vocation, as a result he enrolled on the Level 2 Diploma in Children’s Care Learning and Development course at West Bann Development in 2013. Following on from the success of achieving his Level 2 Diploma he has just recently completed the Level 3 Children’s Care Learning and Development course at NRC’s Ballymoney campus.
Dave commented, “I am really glad that I decided to take one of the biggest steps of my live and change my career path, it wasn’t an easy decision but one I’m glad I made – tree surgeon’s is a young man’s game so it was the right time. The childcare course was challenging but also very rewarding and enjoyable, in particular I was impressed by the quality of teaching and learning by the tutors.
“I got the greatest opportunity to work in Kylemore Nursery School and gained temporary employment in Ballysally Nursery to cover maternity leave. At both of these work placements I have found that my skills attained from the course as well as being a qualified tree surgeon were transferrable in that as a nursery school assistant as I was able to teach the children to zip line, tree climb as well as explain the age of tree by the rings. Both the students and myself found this very enjoyable. I would like to thank both nursery placements and College for the invaluable help, guidance and encouragement I was given. “ continued Dave.
Dave is currently working as temporary special needs assistant at Ballysally Nursery and hopes to gain full-time employment in a local Nursery School some time soon.
This course aims to increase the knowledge, skills and understanding of candidates to enable them to organise and implement quality provision for young children and support their families. An important aspect of the childcare courses is that students are able to apply theory to practice through work placements.
For further information on our part-time portfolio of courses, including childcare, visit our website www.nrc.ac.uk or contact central admissions team on 028 7034 0115.
