At North Hertfordshire College, we’re dedicated to helping our students build the necessary skills, confidence, and experience to achieve success in their chosen sector, or even transfer them to a completely different field. We aim to do this by giving our students the best experience possible, and one of our Business tutors, Diandre tells us more about how students at NHC can really get the most from their time with us.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
“Growing up, I was quite academic and able in school, but I left school at 15. I later went back to do a sports apprenticeship. I was always quite entrepreneurial, and I had my own business braiding hair on the side. I feel that my own experience made me want to help other people, so I became a youth worker in London and worked in behaviour management for people who have not been in educational teaching. This was mainly supporting and mentoring young people with SEND.
“I then started working at North Hertfordshire College as part of the additional learning support team before becoming a PAD [Personal and Academic Development] tutor. The College supported me with relevant training for my role, and my department helped me to upskill, which led to me teaching Sports courses. There were some business units in the sports courses which I enjoyed teaching, so when the opportunity came up for a business tutor to join the team, I took it.”
How has North Hertfordshire College supported your professional development?
“I did a project management course the College were delivering for staff, and I am currently taking part in more training to deliver the new T level programmes. I also took part in the STARS development programme, another internal development programme that the College offered, which gave me leadership skills to go outside the box.”
What do you enjoy most about working at the college?
“I love my team, we all gel together well. We have a sense of autonomy as staff members, we can develop our own curriculum – it’s great working at the college, it feels like the leadership actually care.
“The highlight of my time here so far was when I won a ONE award! It was at the staff conference, and they said my name and I was so embarrassed, as I had to get up and stand at the front! I had a bit of imposter syndrome so hearing the good work they thought I was doing really motivated me to push forward in my career.”
What project have you been working on with your students that you’re most excited about?
“I have really enjoyed the students taking part in the Young Entrepreneurs Challenge for Garden House Hospice. The students had to get investment from charity in a dragon’s den-style activity by pitching their plans and thinking about how they can run the project. There have been highs and lows, but the students have had a sense of ownership and the project also fed into their work experience.
“We looked at the work they do at the hospice as part of the project, and the students visited the hospice twice – our students even did their sit-down Pilates class! This experience has been quite eye opening for our students to see some of the brilliant work that one of our local stakeholders do.”
Why do you think the courses at NHC are a good choice for students?
“I’ve noticed from parents’ evenings and feedback from students that the environment is a lot more vibrant and engaging than some other provisions. Our tutors are all industry experts and have first-hand knowledge, and we go on great trips which give students first-hand experiences. There’s a lot of enrichment activities, too; for example, some students go and play football fixtures on a Wednesday. You can still do the things that you enjoy alongside your vocational qualification, which is great!”
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is thinking of studying at NHC, what would it be?
“Try your hardest as you will get out as much as you put in. We give our students lots of autonomy and staff are always available to support, there’s no taboo about asking for help – even adults need help.”
Work with the 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!