As well as our commitment to helping our students achieve their goals, at North Hertfordshire College we’re also committed to supporting our staff throughout their careers too. There are few better examples of this than Jennifer Watts!
Jennifer started off her NHC career journey as an agency Learning Support Assistant before working her way up through the department to become Manager for Springboard. We spoke to Jennifer to find out more about her amazing career journey and the experience she’s picked up along the way:
What inspired you to explore a career in supporting SEND learners?
“I have always wanted to help people and particularly wanted young people with SEN to be who they want to be, to not be afraid or have any barriers stopping them in achieving in life. The best way I felt I could contribute to this was to work with them in an education setting, which is why I’ve been part of the Supported Studies and Springboard team at North Hertfordshire College for nearly 20 years. I absolutely love my role working with the students and watching them grow and develop.”
Wow, that’s dedication! Have you always worked in the same role with North Hertfordshire College?
“I’ve been able to work in a variety of roles since joining NHC – I’ve worked my way up. I started off working as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in Supported Studies as an agency worker. After being in this role for five years, an opportunity came up to become a permanent LSA in the same department, which I successfully applied for. The role involved supporting students across both the Hitchin and Stevenage campus, in-class and in the community, including going on different trips and even an overnight camping trip!
“After working in this role for a while, I progressed into working as a Job Coach for the Supported Internships programme within Supported Studies. This involved sourcing work placements for our students and supporting them out in the workplace in gaining work skills and confidence, and ultimately supporting them to gain paid employment. I held this role for four years.
“Next, I became the Supported Internship coordinator and worked with the young people and professionals to source work placements and manage the Supported Internship team. I enjoyed this role and stayed in it for six years, before taking an opportunity to become the Springboard Manager as a maternity cover.”
How does your role now compare to where you started your NHC career journey?
“I’m now the manager across two sites based in Letchworth and Watford. I’m still working with students with SEN in Supported Studies here at Springboard, we’re just based offsite to the main college campus. Springboard is a more tailored setting, which bodes well with students who have autism, high anxiety, and emotional needs. We deliver a variety of subjects that include employability, independent living skills, and promoting health and wellbeing whilst supporting students in gaining a qualification.
“I manage a provision of over 20 staff, including a mixture of Transition Centre Coordinators, Tutors, Success Coaches, and LSAs. We work well as a team and all our staff are very supportive of each other and the students.
“Here at Springboard, we work with young people aged 16+ who may have autism or anxiety and may have struggles regarding remaining in education. Being offsite gives them the space to feel secure, become confident, make friends, and gain a qualification so they can further their education.”
“I love my job – I love seeing students flourish from being very timid to growing into confident young adults.”
Since your role has changed a lot, have you had any opportunities for extra training?
“I’ve completed various courses with the support of NHC and the Supported Studies department, including: the Award in Education Training, BSL (British Sign Language) Levels 1 and 2, Diploma in Autism, Understanding PDA, Sensory Processing, Autism Awareness, Mental Health First Aid, Spotting the Signs of Suicide, and Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI). I’ve also been able to take that training further – I’ve also completed courses to become a trainer in TSI and to be a Designated Safeguarding Lead.”
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is thinking of joining NHC, what would it be?
“Do it – you’ll never be bored! If you have a passion for helping young people who have learning difficulties flourish and gain independence and confidence, then this is the job for you. It really is rewarding. There are many career paths to take within NHC and within each department, and there’s so many training opportunities to help you reach your goals.”
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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!