North Hertfordshire College’s Digital courses aren’t just for school leavers – we also offer Foundation Degree programmes, too! These courses are taught by industry-experienced tutors who bring their sector knowledge into the classroom to create meaningful learning opportunities that relate to your career goals.
Take Ahmed, for example. As a tutor and course team leader for our 16+ and degree-level courses, Ahmed teaches classes that help his students feel confident about entering the industry and launching their careers. He is constantly learning and furthering his own knowledge, too, to ensure his lessons feature the latest cutting-edge technology.
Find out about Ahmed’s journey into teaching in his meet the team interview:
What inspired you to start a career in teaching?
“My journey into teaching was an unexpected but rewarding discovery. I previously taught at the Cambridge University summer school, where I had the opportunity to guide and mentor students. This opened my eyes to the impact that educators can have on shaping the future. I found myself drawn to the idea of sharing knowledge and inspiring others.
“My background is in software development, and I’ve always been passionate about technology and its potential to transform lives. I realised that, as a lecturer, I could play a role in equipping the next generation of students with the skills they need to thrive in the fast-paced world of technology.
“I’ve worked in a variety of roles before I joined NHC, and this has helped to enrich my understanding of both technology and its practical applications. I’ve built an understanding of the digital business environment through working in a marketing role, developed technical skills through my time as a Full Stack Developer, and even spent some time within a research group to build my knowledge on cutting edge technology solutions. I’ve worked on projects managing cloud infrastructure, scripting, and automating deployment pipelines – all of which I can use to help illustrate the subject that I teach.
“I’ve even worked as a freelancer in the past, specialising in AI development with a focus on image processing. This role allowed me to explore advanced technologies, design AI models, and engage in innovative, forward-thinking projects. The breadth of these experiences has given me a strong understanding of advanced technologies, designing AI models, and engaging in innovative, forward-thinking projects. I love sharing my understanding of these topics with my students to help them feel excited about the industry they want to start their own career in.”
What would you say makes the Digital department at NHC stand out from the crowd?
“The strong connection to the industry really makes a difference to our courses. It ensures our students are learning the most up-to-date methods and practices. I actively embed the latest industrial techniques and advancements into my teaching so that my students are always equipped with relevant and cutting-edge knowledge.
“Additionally, thanks to my own professional network, I’m able to arrange guest talks and workshops with industry experts. These sessions provide invaluable insights into real world applications of the course material, and offer guidance on career prospects, helping my students successfully navigate the industry after completing their studies. This combination of industry relevance and expert mentorship truly sets my course apart.”
What advice would you give to any new students joining North Hertfordshire College?
“I would say to embrace all the opportunities available both inside and outside the classroom. Engage actively with your tutors, because they bring a wealth of industry experience and are there to support your growth. Take advantage of the College’s resources, of the knowledge of your guest speakers, and make industry connections to expand your network and stay informed about the latest trends.
“Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or to seek help when you need it. The environment here is incredibly supportive, and your success is a shared goal between all of us in the NHC community.”
What do you enjoy the most about working at North Hertfordshire College?
“I love having the opportunity to share my knowledge and see the growth in my students. When they learn and grasp new concepts, it’s incredibly rewarding, and I feel I often learn just as much from them. Teaching is a two-way process, and their fresh perspectives constantly challenge me to think differently.
“Another aspect of the College that I enjoy is the supportive environment that’s created by my colleagues. This is my first teaching role, and the guidance and encouragement I’ve received from my colleagues has been invaluable. It’s made my transition into teaching smooth and enjoyable. The positive, collaborative atmosphere at NHC has played a big part in my professional development, and I’m grateful for that.
“One of my highlights of working here so far has been having the opportunity to balance my teaching role with completing my MSc in Advanced Computer Science, especially during my research year. I actively sought to embed new technologies into my teaching that I was researching in my own studies, and that has helped expose my students to the most current trends in the field. It’s been especially rewarding to see that, by the end of their studies, my students are not only familiar with essential skills like web development but are also aware of advanced technologies such as creating machine learning models.”
Work with Hart Learning Group
We think all jobs in education are some of the most important and fulfilling jobs in the world – helping people realise their potential and build a life for themselves; helping businesses to grow and improve; and helping to build strong, vibrant communities.
If you share our passion, we want to hear from you – check out our available vacancies and come and join the team!