Since taking part in NHC’s Meet the Team interview, Robert has been promoted to Programme Manager for our Foundation Degree in Computing Technologies.
In the latest instalment of our Meet the Team series, we sat down with IT’s Robert Tattam for a chat about all things NHC and IT. Robert’s journey is an interesting one, having been at North Hertfordshire College both as a student and now as a member of our teaching staff. If there’s one person who knows about the NHC experience, it’s Robert!
How did your journey to teaching at North Hertfordshire College start?
“I started working in this position about four years ago. I used to be a learning coach here at the College part-time, and then I moved into tutoring. I also worked as an IT technician for about two years as well. Before working at the College, I was in education. I actually came here as a student first – I came from Level 1 and worked my way all the way up. When I was in my foundation degree year, NHC needed part-time helpers. That’s where it all started.
“The College got me here, from having nothing to having a degree.”
What do you enjoy about teaching?
“I really like that you can see it in a student’s eyes when they get it and they understand the topic. When I was at school, I saw so many students that had such good ambitions and they were pushed aside. I don’t want my students to feel like that, I want to make a difference. I also wouldn’t want my students to leave the College without having a clear idea of what they want to do afterwards.”
What makes your subject area important?
“No matter what you do for a job, you will encounter some sort of IT in the workplace. Especially now the world is starting to implement more and more technology! If you study a course in computing, you will not have any problems with using IT and tech again.”
What do you enjoy about teaching at NHC?
“I think the staff and the people that I work with are great. They share their resources and their knowledge with me, which I really like. I also like feeling like I’m making a difference. There was one instance that a student at the end of their course came up to me and thanked me. That’s really stuck with me.”
What should students expect from an IT course at NHC?
“I would say that by the end of the course, you will have a clear idea of what you like in IT and what you want to pursue in the future. You should leave this course and be able to enter an IT job with no issue, whether that’s as a technician, an ethical hacker, a game designer, or any kind of data-based job.
“We’re also very different to school, you are an adult here. We are preparing you for the real world, for the future. You are taking part in the real workplace, so you take control on what you take away from it.”
Do you have any closing comments?
“If you’re looking for something different, then this is the College for you.”
If Robert has inspired you to find out more about a career in IT, or you’re looking to learn more digital skills, then take a look at North Hertfordshire College’s available courses – we’ve got a range of post-16 courses on offer, as well as courses specifically for adult learners!
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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!