Employer: Truro and Penwith College
Job title: Deputy Team Leader – Learning Services Support and Transition
Course: ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management
My Story:
Roland first joined Truro and Penwith College in March 2017, working as a Learning Services Tutor, supporting learners with Maths, English and study skills.
Roland had support from his Line Manager to initially complete an ILM Level 2 course in Leadership and Management. “Although they did not need me to do it as part of my job role, they were more than happy for me work through this for personal CPD. Support from my tutor, Jo, was fantastic as always. I felt that I could ask questions should I need to ask any questions and feedback on written work was always prompt and useful.”
Roland used the knowledge gained within this course to his advantage when deciding to apply for the role of Deputy Team Leader within his department.
“I completed the ILM Level 2 last year, and I feel that this gave me an advantage when applying for my current role of Deputy Team Leader. In my previous role, I supported students in a 1:1 setting and now I am helping to lead a team of 70+ across two campuses. The skills gained at Level 2 have helped me in my current role and the Level 3 course will help me focus more specifically on certain aspects of my role such as problem solving.”
Since being promoted to Deputy Team Leader, which Roland describes as a smooth transition, he has been able to propose changes in some of the processes currently in place within the department, such as a live working timetable for the support staff.
When asked what the highlights of his course were, Roland said “I’ve really enjoyed being able to discuss aspects of the course, situations in an open and accepting way. Both the tutor and the other students have been accepting to differing views and it has been great to learn from others.”
Roland is planning to begin his PGCE in September, which will allow him to apply for more senior roles such as Programme Team Leader in the future.
When asked why he would recommend Truro College, Roland told us “As well as the modules being adaptable to a variety of roles, the support both in and out of lessons has been fabulous. It has been greatly appreciated, particularly now I am in my new role. Whilst the transition into the new role has been smooth, it has certainly felt stressful so having support from my tutor throughout has been so beneficial.”
Outside of work, Roland is a keen performer and loves to be on stage. He also enjoys watching theatre, going to the cinema, and practicing yoga.
