Dan

When did you join Weston College? 

I joined Weston College in 2013, having previously studied a Business and marketing degree at Plymouth University. I started on a graduate internship across several areas of Weston College.   

Why did you join Weston College? 

I finished my degree and knew I wanted to get into teaching. The college were looking for graduate internships at the time. This enabled me to train as a lecturer whilst being paid on the internship. Within a year I was lecturing business full-time as a fully qualified lecturer. 

How do you spend your day? 

I work full time, 5 days a week. My days are taken up with teaching different groups and different levels across our business and travel courses. I teach level 2, level 3 and degree level programmes focussing mainly on marketing-based subjects. 

How has the College supported your career development? 

The college has offered me training and progression opportunities to develop my teaching pedagogy during my time as a lecturer. I have taken on extra roles above my normal lecturing during my time at the college. I have worked as a digital coach, helping other staff members develop their digital skills. I am also currently a teaching, learning and assessment coach which involves delivering training sessions and CPD sessions for other members of staff. The support of my managers and the college have helped me develop my own practice, allowing me to help others as well.  

What have you been involved in while working at Weston College? 

During my time at Weston college, I have been involved in some incredible educational visits with Business and Travel learners. As part of the curriculum, we offer students the opportunity to travel and visit other places that for many learners wouldn’t be possible. I personally have organised and taken learners on long haul residential trips to places such as New York, as well as visiting some major businesses such as the Jaguar/Land Rover factory. Being involved in taking learners to places where they can relate teaching to practice helps learners.  

What’s the best thing about working at Weston College? 

The people who work at Weston college are what makes working here so amazing. Every team I have been part and most teams I have worked alongside has had a shared ethos of student focussed teaching. I have had the privilege to work alongside some fellow members of staff that have helped me develop me both as a lecturer and a person.