Chris – Certificate in Education

Course: Certificate in Education (Part-time)

Career: Learning Partner with Costa Coffee

My Story:

Starting out as a Chef in his home county of Yorkshire, Chris gained his first taste of employee development when the company he worked for expanded and needed new trainers to support their growth. Following this position, Chris then took some time out to travel before relocating to Cornwall where he found work at one of the biggest breweries in the South West. Working as a Learning and Development Trainer, Chris was part of the team responsible for training the managers and team leaders of St Austell Brewery’s pubs, inns and hotels located anywhere south of Bristol and stretching out as far as the Isles of Scilly. Encouraged by the company’s staff development and progression policy, Chris decided to study the Level 3 Award in Education and Training at Truro and Penwith College to support his training experience before advancing onto the Certificate in Education course at the University Centre.

Chris said: “The Certificate in Education taught me the theoretical knowledge that I need to deliver insightful and impactful workshops, which has enabled me to step into the role that I am in now.”“The Certificate in Education taught me the theoretical knowledge that I need to deliver insightful and impactful workshops, which has enabled me to step into the role that I am in now.”

“If I ever need to ask a question, my lecturer is always on hand to help: I just have to send them an email and I always receive a prompt response.”

“There’s a big jump between the two qualifications. Beginning with the Level 3 Award was a good starting point as the course corresponds with the first module of the Certificate in Education.” 

“The Certificate in Education is suitable for a range of teaching professions, from staff development to school teaching, so there was a mix of people on the course, which really helped when sharing ideas and assignment tips.” 

“In completing the course I have broadened my career opportunities and opened the door to future study options.”

Chris is now a Learning Partner with Costa Coffee, he works alongside the Regional Operations Director to shape the learning strategy for stores spanning the South West of England and South Wales.