Wakefield
College - Don’t give up your day job!
Studying part-time for a vocational
Higher Education course at Wakefield College means
you won’t have to. The good news is that part-time
students are now entitled to financial help towards
their fees and
other costs related to their course.
Higher Education is not just about 18-year-old A level
students going to university. More than half the students
now in Higher Education are mature students (21 years+).
Although many of them are on full-time courses, a substantial
number of students study towards a Higher Education qualification
on a part-time basis.
Mature students often have family and work commitments
that prevent them from considering a return to full-time
education. This makes it difficult for them to gain the
qualifications they might need to help with promotion
at work, or even a possible career change. Therefore,
mature students value a properly regulated alternative
route into Higher Education, which takes into account
personal requirements and circumstances.
At Wakefield College, there are currently over 250 students
studying on part-time Higher Education courses. In 2006,
part-time students became eligible for financial help
towards fees and other costs (the amount is dependent
on personal circumstances and type of course).
Many of these students are also sponsored by their employer
and attend College on day release. Employers value a
highly trained workforce and are often very willing to
give staff who want to progress, the chance to study
whilst working.
This is what the students have to say
 Bev Flockton
Studied: Foundation Degree in Early Years
Job: Registered Child Minder
Bev is a self-employed
registered child minder with over twenty years
experience of caring for children.
She undertook the Foundation Degree to gain Early
Years Senior Practitioner Status (EYPS).
“ I had not been to college before, so I was keen to
prove to myself that I was able to work at a higher
level and utilise my experience in the process.
The parents of the children I mind are very pleased
that I am studying to improve my knowledge, as
this will in turn give their children a good
caring, and
learning experience.
I hope it compliments my years of experience
and enables me to move into management with more
responsibility
for others.
The course has been enjoyable. Completing assignments
was time consuming but also very rewarding.”
If you would like more information please email r.chamberlain@wakefield.ac.uk |
 Teresa Wager
Studied: HNC Mechanical Engineering (Day release)
Job: Trainee Design Draughts Person (Sulzer Pumps)
“ This
course is part of a four year advanced apprenticeship
run through my company and Leeds Training Trust.
I completed a BTEC National Performing Engineering
Operations at Leeds College of Technology and then
came to Wakefield College to do the HNC.
“ This qualification is a good stepping stone to higher
qualifications and will help further my career
ambitions. Each tutor has a different teaching technique, which
helps with concentration throughout the day.
My employer is supportive and sends other apprentices
on this course. They have a member of staff who
helps with educational enquiries and provides
other resources
if needed.
I am a lot more confident as a person, more dedicated,
and I have improved my time management skills.
I hope to continue my studies, either at Wakefield
College or at university.”
If you would like
more information please email n.ward@wakefield.ac.uk |
 Andy Jackson
Studied: HND Business and Management
Job: NHS Supply Chain/Team Administrator
“I wanted to increase my knowledge of business
functions and gain a better understanding of the
links between
procurement, logistics, distribution, marketing
and finance.
The course has enabled me to adapt more quickly
and easily to a changing business environment.
It has provided me with the skills and knowledge
to help me acquire greater responsibility and involvement
in more complex business activities. I now have
the confidence to deliver presentations on business
related topics to different audiences.
My employer is supportive and provides funding
for the course to enable my continuous professional
development. My line manager takes an interest
in how the course is progressing, offering assistance
if needed.
I have always found the tutors to be very supportive
and flexible, particularly understanding of the
implications of studying part-time, and the constraints
of the ‘day job’.”
If you would
like more information please email s.deakin@wakefield.ac.uk |
For further information on any of the Higher Education
courses offered at Wakefield College, call Course Information
on 01924 789111 and ask for a Higher Education prospectus
or visit www.wakefield.ac.uk |
