Adam Thompson of Vision West Nottinghamshire College discusses his background in the construction industry, how the SET for Teaching Success programme has helped him make the step into teaching in FE and his ambitions for the future.
Before the SET for Teaching success programme, I was an assessor in wood occupations, prior to this I was a project manager/scheduler in the construction industry. I thought that the programme would be a great way to develop my skills and knowledge and help my career progress.
It’s really good. With my background, it’s great to know that there is support out there for the STEM subjects There isn’t enough recognition of our subjects and there needs to be more if we are to encourage more people to want to become STEM educators. SET for Teaching for Success is a big part in helping to promote our area.
I have discovered areas of education which I didn’t think I would. It offered me deeper insights into how young adults think in relation to psychological needs. It has been fascinating to learn about how the mind works. The programme has also helped me to make the link between learners’ psychological needs and strategies to use to ensure I have a holistic approach in my teaching.
From since I was young, I’ve always had a passion for education and have wanted to be a part of it. Despite my passion, there were times when I didn’t enjoy my education and didn’t want to go to school. This has been a big motivation in joining the programme; I want to be able to make a difference and help eradicate the fears of young adults going into education and then into work. Protecting learners’ mental wellbeing is of huge importance to me.
Everything, I genuinely love my job…
I started out as a trainee bench joiner in construction and the vocation taught me a lot about the different aspects and the requirements of the day-to-day life needed to be able to mould success. It’s important that these areas are developed. We rely on the construction industry to keep the economy strong and viable and without SET subjects, we can’t train the next generation of construction workers and that will have a negative impact on the economy.
For me, having the opportunity to meet new people who are involved in the education sector has been one of the major benefits of the programme. Also, the fact I experience hands-on development and gain a better understanding of the sector have both been beneficial for me.
The programme has inspired me to go as far as I can in education; it’s so diverse there are so many opportunities available. I would like to be able to influence the curriculum and what is delivered within my organisation, so becoming the head of a department is on my list. After that? Principal – why not aim high?
For details of how to apply for the SET for Teaching Success programme, please visit the programme page.