Despite being unable to work for 26
years, Rita Dowling from Ammanford is determined to put her health
problems behind her, get qualifications and find employment.
Rita first came to the learning centre in Coleg Pontardawe two years ago and at the time had no qualifications. Now she has nationally recognised qualifications in numeracy, literacy and computing and is now working voluntarily in the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
Rita explains: “The great thing about learning with
learndirect is that you can learn when you want. It
is a long time since I was in school and it wasn’t the best experience for
me. Going back to a classroom just wasn’t an option that I could have
coped with and these informal classes were ideal.
I don’t drive and having a learning centre in the town is very
convenient. The atmosphere in the classroom is so friendly and
relaxed that I really enjoy coming, and at the moment I come twice a week,
and carry on learning at home, so that I am able to fit learning around my
other responsibilities”.
Rita is progressing through her courses at an incredible rate and has recently completed computer maintenance and security. She is now working her way through the learndirect ‘Your call – Call Centre Pre-employment course’. Rita adds, “I don’t think my success so far would have been possible without my tutor who is always so supportive and helpful. She inspires and motivates me to keep going”.
Jan Osman is Rita’s tutor within Coleg Pontardawe and adds: “The change in Rita since she first came here is phenomenal. Her confidence has improved ten-fold and she is now even learning to drive. I only hope to see her hard work pay off”.
For more information on how to get started on a learndirect course please contact www.nothingcanstopyou.co.uk or www.nptc.ac.uk.
