At North Hertfordshire College, we’re proud to work with an amazing team of people across our departments who help our students succeed and achieve their dreams. The personal and academic development our learners go through during their time at college wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our staff – like Meg Parker, one of our Course Team Leaders in Supported Studies!
Find out more about Meg’s NHC journey and how her role has developed since starting her career with us in her Meet the Team interview:
How has NHC supported you in your career journey so far?
“I first joined NHC in 2019 as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) through NHC’s agency, and only planned on staying for six months before joining the Probationary Services. However, I quickly started to enjoy the role and its responsibilities, and the satisfaction that working with students with special needs brings. I decided to apply for a permanent LSA position in 2020, a role that I was in for about two years.
“In 2021, I was offered the opportunity to complete the Diploma in Education and Training and was given teaching hours as part of my timetable. Due to Covid, I was often given the opportunity to cover lessons, which helped me gain confidence and more experience with teaching. In February 2022, I progressed on to a Course Team Leader role whilst also studying for my DET.”
What do you most enjoy about working in Supported Studies?
“The students are the reason I enjoy teaching so much. They come into college with a positive attitude and an excitement about being at college and around staff and their peers. We help them to develop important life skills throughout their time with NHC, such as independent living and employability skills, allowing them to move on and be as independent as possible after college – that also brings a huge amount of satisfaction, to see that growth in our students.
“Many of the students I teach struggle with low self-esteem and find communicating with others challenging. Seeing these students progress, make friends, and begin to trust the staff they are working with is an incredibly rewarding part of the job. I also enjoy finding a strategy that works for a student, knowing that it will make a huge difference to their college experience.”
“I also enjoy working in a supportive team with other tutors and LSAs. As a new tutor, the department has been really encouraging and have shared their good practice with me, as well as their resources and methods of teaching.”
Looking back at your time with NHC so far, what has been one of your highlights?
“The students’ fundraising project at the NET Fair this year was a highlight. The students worked incredibly hard on making products to sell and creating a ‘Pit Stop Challenge Board’ for customers to play. They raised a total of £267, which they were incredibly proud of, and the money went towards a good cause.”
If you could speak to someone who is thinking of joining NHC, what would you say to them?
“I would recommend working at NHC because, as you can see from my journey, there are so many opportunities for you to progress in your career. I have received regular training, which has allowed me to progress on to a teaching role.
“For prospective students, I would recommend choosing a course you feel passionate about and do not be afraid to ask questions. The staff at NHC are supportive and are there to make you feel at ease and comfortable at college.”
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!