Say hello to NHC’s Supported Studies Job Coaches!
Our Job Coaches are here to help our Supported Interns through their placements and in the workplace, finding amazing opportunities for our Interns to develop their skills.
If you’re starting a Supported Internship with North Hertfordshire College, this page is a great way to start getting to know the brilliant team you’ll be working with. Find out more about what they do and what they enjoy about their jobs below!
Oxana Baranova
“I started my professional journey at North Hertfordshire College 10 years ago as I very much enjoy working with young people. To me, being a Job Coach is like opening the gates for those students who decided to enter the competitive but exciting world of employment. I am here to lend them my helping hand during our time together, to celebrate their achievements, to improve their working style and to motivate them to keep pushing and not to give up. I am pleased to share my experiences that I have gained during my 20 years of working in various industry fields across multicultural environments.”
Carlie Dinsdale
“I have a passion for mental health and wellbeing. I’ve spent the last 20 years working in a range of environments, from prisons to dementia care homes, developing my skills in this area. Food and music are my life and I spend a lot of my time either eating or listening to music – sometimes both at the same time!”
Tom Edwards
“Being a Job Coach, working 1-1 with each student in a real working environment and getting to watch the progression throughout their course is hands down the most rewarding job I have ever done. I enjoy creating a positive, relaxed and encouraging relationship with each student, helping them reach their full potential, whilst learning a range of transferable skills along the way.”
Helen Galvin
“My journey at North Hertfordshire College started in 2021 as a Learning Support Assistant within the Supported Studies department. I was then lucky to progress onto becoming the Supported Internship Coordinator in 2022. The role has given me the opportunity to work with some wonderful young people and see them progress into employment which matches with their aspirations.”
Marian Palomo
“I started working at North Hertfordshire College as a Learning Support Assistant, and they gave me the opportunity to join the team as a Job Coach. It is really a pleasure working here at the College and working with lovely staff and students. I’m really looking forward to seeing my student’s progression over the academic year.”
Saranya Ravisankar
“I work as a Job Coach at North Hertfordshire College, and it has been a profoundly enriching experience. My role involves guiding students to become more independent and equipping them with new skills during their work placements. Its incredibly rewarding to see the transformation in students as they grow more confident. Witnessing their progress and knowing I have played a part in it is truly fulfilling. I enjoy my job, and I work with such a great team who is always supportive and welcoming.”
Sally Robinson
“I have worked at NHC for over 20 years, previously as part of the catering team and for the last 2 years as a Job Coach. I enjoy working as part of a very supportive and passionate team and working with the students brings rewards and smiles every day.”
Jenny Souter
“I have worked with North Hertfordshire College since 2018. The reason I joined the Job Coach team is because I have witnessed the progression and development of independence in students, where they are in a safe, inspiring, and inclusive environment. Taking our students into the community for work placements is key to confidence building and it is a privilege to be part of that journey.”
Carla Wilson
“I have found this job to be extremely rewarding, as you see the students flourish and grow in confidence in their work placement. I enjoy the variety that the job role has to offer as no two days are ever the same.
“It is also gratifying building a relationship with the employers, networking and seeing the students gain valuable knowledge, skills and experience whilst preparing them for the work place.”