A Caring Personality
Described by her boyfriend as caring and her family as friendly, bubbly and chatty, working in childcare was a natural choice for Elena. It was a case of needing to find a way to retrain.
Finding What She Was Looking For
“I found Oxbridge online; I was looking for a college that could let me do my Level 3 for early years workforce from home while I was working in a supermarket. I read through the website and found the different courses very interesting. I contacted Oxbridge’s helpline and their course advisers helped me find the right course to suit my chosen career path."
“I’ve always loved working with children, and I had experience doing so in Italy and England. At the beginning of 2020, I was tired of my job situation and wanted to start something new: a fresh chapter in my life. So, I decided to invest in my education, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve loved every second of my course. While studying, I realised that it was the right choice for me.”
Flexible Learning
“My weekly routine was not easy. When I started this course, I was working full-time in Sainsburys, so I had just 2 days off, which is when I studied. After 3 months, I started working in a nursery part-time as well, so I could do my placement activities. With this new job I had just one day a week to study. After 5 months, I got offered more hours at the nursery, so I quit the job in Sainsburys to give me more time to finish my course. My daily study routine was a combination of assignments and activities plan.”
One of the things that enabled Elena to enrol on the course while working was the flexibility offered by home learning. She knew that by studying with an online college she’d be able to get her studies to work around her other commitments.
The Key to Success
At Oxbridge, we offer unlimited tutor support, which proves invaluable to our learners. Especially if English isn’t their first language and they need further support in their studies.
“My personal tutor, Sadaf, was very good and supported me on my journey. She was very quick to answer my questions and was always patient and understanding when I needed her to explain what I had to do.
“I’ve learnt how to become a good nursery nurse. With the help of my tutor and my assessor, I became more confident and learnt how to deal with different responsibilities in a nursery setting, including taking care of the children.
“I’m currently a nursery practitioner, and I love it."
Favourite Parts of the Course
“I really liked planning the activities to do in the setting. Gathering information, observing the children and seeing the happiness on their faces was very rewarding.
“While studying the most enjoyable unit was: ‘Unit 5: Support the health, wellbeing and physical care needs of children in the early years’.”
Next Steps
“Once qualified, I will try to find a job in Italy as an English nursery nurse. This role will involve helping children learn English. My back-up plan would be to move back to England and start a new qualification, in order to broaden my knowledge in childcare education.”
Motivational Advice
“What motivates me most in life is being able to give myself and my family the best chances and prospects. Also being able to do something that helps other people.”
So, what would Elena say to others who are thinking of enroling on an online course to improve their career prospects?
“Just go for it! Don’t waste your time waiting for something to magically change in your life. Challenge yourself and work hard.
“If you like the idea of working with children, then start this course.
“Oxbridge gave me all the help and support I needed, and it was the best thing I did.”