Charlie’s Story

Job title: Actions and Project Manager

Company: Trading Standards South West

Course: SUCCESS Level 4 Project Management for Business

Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Project Management: Charlie’s Journey

The College’s SUCCESS Level 4 Project Management for Business course has enhanced Charlie’s skillset, positioned him for growth in his career and improved his effectiveness in managing operations and training across Trading Standards South West.

Transitioning from a career in policing to a part-time role as an Actions and Project Manager covering operations and training in the south-west, Charlie sought to validate his experience and enhance his skills through formal education.

Returning to formal education after years in law enforcement presented Charlie with a refreshing experience. Accustomed to the dynamics of policing, he found himself challenged with the transition from a rigid enforcement mindset to the more flexible and collaborative environment of project management. Overcoming the urge to approach tasks with a law enforcement perspective proved to be his biggest challenge.

Charlie attributes much of his success in the course to the exemplary instruction provided by Suzanne, the tutor. Her guidance played a pivotal role in Charlie’s positive learning experience and successful completion of the course. Charlie commented: “Our instructor was first class. She was very informative, pitching the sessions at the right level. Her motivating teaching style effectively engaged the class and inspired us to exceed our expectations.”

Charlie found the face-to-face delivery of the course to be beneficial, particularly due to its local accessibility. The smaller class sizes provided an ideal environment for learning, fostering a good balance of diverse perspectives and experiences. Charlie’s employer supported his endeavour, recognising the importance of formal training for his role.

Following the completion of the course, Charlie remarked on the course’s ability to open doors to a broader range of planning and project opportunities outside the realm of law enforcement and trading standards. While his immediate career trajectory may not have drastically changed, Charlie’s enhanced skill set has positioned him for growth and diversification in his field.

Completing the project management course proved transformative for Charlie. He no longer feels like a project manager in name only; he has gained the confidence and skills needed to excel in his role. The course provided practical knowledge that directly translated into improving his effectiveness in managing operations and training in the south-west.

Charlie’s journey from law enforcement to project management exemplifies the value of continuous learning and adaptation in today’s dynamic workforce. By recognising the need to enhance his skills through formal education, Charlie not only validated his experience but also expanded his career horizons. Through dedication, support, and the guidance of a skilled instructor, Charlie successfully navigated this transition, paving the way for continued growth and success in his role.

To find out more about the range of Business and Professional Development courses offered by Truro and Penwith College’s Future Skills Institute visit: truro-penwith.ac.uk/professional-development