After having to leave university to stay home and become my partners full time carer, due to her having cancer. I thought my career and professional life was over.
At the age of just 22 I didn't know how my life was going to work out until I seen an advertisement for skills train. After reading the information on the skills train web site I couldn't believe my eyes! I could work from home and be able to achieve a qualification that would set me and my partner up for life. A profession that is well sought after and I could do it.
So I decided to take the Web design course and fell in love with it, everyday I'm learning something new and exciting!. I'm able to leave it for periods of time if my partner goes into hospital and pick it back up were I left off. I'm able to use what I learn in everyday life whether it's helping a friend or family member out or for me when it comes to me been able to use my skills online.
I would just like to thank skills train for giving me this opportunity that I believe I wouldn't find else were. I just wish I new about you when I was 16.
-Emma
SKILLSTRAIN HAS HELPED ME TO FULFIL MY DREAM
Back in 1994 I applied for a place to study computer science in the university but I was not successful. I thought I would no longer be able achieve the goal I had set for myself since I became aware of computing and the incredible way it can revolutionalize things. I studied Industrial Chemistry and went on to work for four different organisations from 2000 to 2008. In 2006 my friend introduced me to Skillstrain and he told me how I can still fulfil my dream if I was really determined to do so. We looked and the pros and cons and I gave Skillstrain a call, a representative came to my house in Hertfordshire. I took and passed a short test and I signed for the CIW course. We also spoke about the course tuition and a loan was secured for me. I submitted my first tutor marked assignment in January 2007 and the last one for the course yesterday, 27th November 2008. Now I have an incredible sense of fulfilment.
Wait until I tell you this bit of my story. Shortly after I started the CIW course, my interest in IT increased. My colleagues at work noticed this and were asking me to help them more often to troubleshoot minor failures in the office. I am delighted to have saved my employers money by doing most of their IT related business in-house even though it was not part of my job specification. Early this year, they wanted me to be the head of IT department but I had made up my mind to go for a masters programme in information systems. In December 2007 I used my progress report and syllabus from Skillstrain to apply to the University of Aberdeen and was accepted on their Master of Information Systems course. I will graduate in January 2009. I already have a better paid job than what I used to have and I now have better career prospects. My former employers have inundated me with calls wanting me to return after graduation and the good news is that I would be negotiating from a position of strength. I have also been invited by an IT company to be one of its directors. I would be combining my MBA, MSc Information Systems and Web Design skills from Skillstrain to contribute to the growth of the company.
I am also delighted to complete a self-paced study which I have been able to combine with work, a masters course which is so demanding and family commitments. We had a baby born to us in December 2007 and this required so much of my attention as well. It has been very challenging but worthwhile. It is amazing how I have been able to do all these without breaking down. It must be something I really love. Now I am happier, confident and so fulfilled.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank my tutor team for supporting me throughout this course and to Skillstrain for securing the loan which paid for the course. Without this loan, I would never have come this far.
-Ishaku
I have been in a dead end job for the past 2 years, stacking shelves, carrying customer's heavy purchases and constantly being nice even to the most obnoxious customers. I had finished my A+, but found that not company would still hire me. So I started on my MCSA and this has seemed to open doors, even though I'm only a fifth of the way through. I have recently got a job because the can see that I'm working towards goals. The job is in digital signage and interactive media, the knowledge I have gained from skillstrain has helped me get my dream job. Just in time for their xmas party too. Merry Christmas skillstrain.
-Christopher
Although I am only half way through my CompTIA A+ and N+ course I have already secured a fantastic work experience opportunity with my local college. At long last I can see an end to the endless search for the next 'contract' to keep me in work. I May have not reached any sort of career wage position but already I am seeing doors start to open for me. The biggest thing for me is one word and that is HOPE, and hope for someone who has spent their whole working life in a different but dying industry. Thank you Skills Train, only 50% through my course and I me starting to reap the rewards.
-Graham
Hello
I began my course what seems like a life time ago now, with how much has changed in my life since then.
I am determined to finish my Web Design course and gain my qualification, despite the obstacles in my way.
As I am physically disabled with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Since adding this course to my list of Skills I have been employed by International Business Machines or IBM
IBM have offered me the opportunity to continue to learn new Web Design skills after I finish this course as they were very impressed I had undertaken such a complex course and hope to then use their resources to ensure taking this course was worth the time and effort put into it by me and the tutor team
This support from an entire network of people has enabled me to move into my own flat, take driving lessons and get my first car
So I would like to thank everyone for their help to me, and I think this story goes to show that being brave and changing one aspect of your life, like joining a course with Skills Train, can have more rewards than first thought!
-Caroline
Studying with SkillsTrain is definitely going to make this Christmas even better than the last for many reasons. Starting this course has put a new perspective on my life so it has made my life in general much better than before in the whole year and not just at Christmas time.
It's been more than a year since I signed up for this course and because of ill-health I was forced to put it on hold. It was quite unsure whether I would make it to today yet alone be given the opportunity to see it to Christmas this year. Since my recovery, I have taken a different approach to life in general and completing this course is at the very top of my priority list. Last Christmas I wasn't even aware that it was Christmas and so it all passes in a blur.
My continuing study with SkillsTrain is definitely going to make this Christmas better than the last because among other things it means I have another chance at life and also another opportunity to prove to myself that I am capable of doing anything I want to. Even though my kids and I May not have material things, the true spirit of Christmas will remain alive in our hearts because we are together. They continue to encourage me to finish this course because they know that upon completion we will reap the benefits.
I remember when I was signing up for this course and while I sat there at the kitchen table all I wanted to do was cry because I had recently moved to this country with my husband and kids. Very soon afterwards he moved out leaving me to fend for myself and kids in a strange land. I was pure chance I came across SkillsTrain and only by sheer determination that I had decided to sign up. All that seems like a lifetime ago and I am grateful for the meaning SkillsTrain brought back to my life when I felt like giving up, especially since it was round about Christmas time when it all fell apart for us.
I couldn't provide for us because I wasn't in a very well-paying job. I am especially thankful at this time of the year because even though I haven't gained my qualifications yet, the knowledge I have gained so far has enabled me to get a promotion before I fell ill. I now have more money to spend this Christmas and my kids and I are together and can now look forward to enjoying a much better Christmas this year than last year.
I know that upon gaining my qualification I can look forward to even better things and many more wonderful Christmases with my kids. Even though most people take a break at this time of year, I intend to persevere throughout because studying with SkillsTrain is part of the reason I am here and a huge part of why I look forward to each day.
-Monica
SkillsTrain College… Web design… Life design
We came to England 3 years ago in order to make life better for my children. I had studied English many years ago in a secondary school so at first, I was busy with the English course improving my linguistic skills. One year later after completing ESOL English level two I decided to try something completely new for me. I have the University diploma in Business management but it does not work in England because it is a Latvian one. Knowing that God has gifted me equally with creative and logical thinking I started searching for information regarding Web design course. I want to say that SkillsTrain College appeared to be the most active in recruiting the new students. As a result of this I began my Web design course in 2006 neither having any concept about it nor good computing skills.
Doing this course seemed to be an exiting and promising experience for me although my Latvian friends were quite sceptical pointing at my age (mmm…, yeh, I am 51) and nationality… I also had to revise my budget one more time because I am a lone parent with three dependants. However, now way, to accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.
Oh, the first “mile stone” came faster then it supposed to be! When I got my course material and wanted to dive deeply into learning I stuck and could not even find Windows Explorer on my PC. Laughter through tears!!! What does such a stupid woman want to do at web design course?!...This was the only time when I rung to the tutor team to say that I have enrolled into the wrong college…and asked to switch me off… I was advised to make my request in a written form… I did not give up because I am stubborn from my childhood (this was my mum's opinion).
When I opened TMA's CD for the first time, I realized that I was right deciding to keep going. Surprisingly, it was design of CD with music on the background which rose feelings in me that I belong to this college.
Recently I have completed my last TMA. Now I am looking forward to taking an exams and getting a Web designer qualification. During this time my confidence and computing skills have grown up from almost a zero to a decent height. My friends used to rely on my knowledge when they need any advice regarding security issues over the Internet or just ask simply questions related to the computing. My children get used to living in an educational environment from an early morning to the late evening. We all were very happy and proud when I managed to write a simple program in Perl and got 100% marked TMA. Honestly, it was a big achievement for me. The most exiting part of the course is a web design…I am loosing a sense of time when I am in it.
I realise that I am only at the beginning of the journey. There are many things I have to achieve to become a really good web designer. I like that web design never gets boring and static, but it is an ever developing and changing environment. The truth is that the man who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after. I love being creative and feeling that my brain is working. I would like to contribute my skills, knowledge and experience to this country because my family has been very welcomed in England and we are blessed by English people in many ways. One of those blessings for me is being a part of SkillsTrain College students' world. The coming Christmas is going to be a Big Mile Stone in my life- completing a course and preparing myself for exams. Moreover, doing this course, my personality has been changed from uncertain newcomer to one who is willing to overcome difficulties and gain skills that are in demand. Now I see that studying at web design course has been in harmony with my desires so I have really been fulfilled with joy and satisfaction moving forwards the course step by step.
I am very grateful to all the tutors for their patience and understanding. I wish them to have the best students in the world.
I wish a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all the SkillsTrain College students and the College staff! Do not let the grass grow under our feet!
-Aija
I have been on this course for two years and have struggled to balance full time work (60-70 hours) with learning and as such was unable to complete the 2003 a+. To continue with the course I have had to start from scratch with the 2005 objectives. To ensure I complete this course I have had to cut down my hours at work and I have also taken a part time university degree to motivate me. To have time to study for the course I sacrifice work breaks to study every night. Also using the knowledge I have gained from the A+ course so far I have three of my friend's computers for no profit gain to increase my experience. I am also looking to volunteer to computer companies during summer 09 to improve my experience further.
-James
My Christmas Wish...
A lot of students will have the opportunity to write about the positive outcomes from studying with SkillsTrain, whether they have completed part or their entire course. From this they May have been promoted within their own working environment, got a new job or indeed had the resolve to set up a business of their own with their new found skill!
For me, things are a little bit different. Not so much in a rags to riches story. But more of a journey of self belief and planning life changes for the future. And this has come from a wonderful year that I personally feel started with SkillsTrain.
It was at the start of 2008 when I knew I had to sit down and decide what direction my life was going in. I had a pretty basic job, which generally means working excess overtime hours to bring home a semi-decent wage. I had a wonderful and supportive family network, which although never blessed financially have always been there with love and a shoulder to lean on when things inevitably get tough.
I have always had an interest in computers and deep down knew that it was an area I would like to work in, although I had a big problem in not knowing what specific area that was going to be. That was until I seen an advert for SkillsTrain in a local newspaper. Instantly seeing the CIW Web Design Manager everything seemed to click into gear. What was merely a piece of paper sitting in front of me seemed to possess the missing piece of my jigsaw!
I applied for the course and in no time the first section had arrived on my lap and I got straight into it. I would be lying if I said it was easy from the beginning because it was tough. I hadn't studied in over 10 years and the old cogs seemed at first to be moving at a slower pace than I imagined. But I have stuck at it, along with other things that have happened this year, I got engaged in February and in June I passed my first acoustic guitar exam, grade 3.
For someone with little confidence in themselves I saw these three steps being some of the most important of my life. And I don't think I will ever forget any of them!
And now, on the run up to Christmas, I have finished the foundations section and am about to apply to sit the Associates exam, hopefully before Christmas, I am also studying for my grade 4 in acoustic guitar, our Wedding plans are well under way and I am still working 60+ hours per week in a job that I May not particularly like, but know that I won't have to do for the rest of my life thanks to the skills I am learning through my Skillstrain course!
And the future? I have three wonderful things to look forward to. Being a qualified CIW Web Design Manager (and getting a good job of course) marrying the girl who is undoubtedly the love of my life and continuing on with my guitar lessons/ exams. I might be busy, but I don't think I would change it for the world!
-Gareth
The impact studying with skill train I will make this Christmas better than the latter...
Before I became pregnant, I was a care worker tied to my job. I felt I was in prison with no hope of a parole or coming out but I had to work to make ends meet. When I had my baby that was April this year, the joy of motherhood overwhelmed me and I forgot all about my horrible job. When she started growing, my happiness turned into some sort of ambivalent feeling, because I need to cater for my baby. That was when the thought of my job surfaced. I hated the idea of going back to work and then from nowhere it was like my prayers have been heard can't even remember how I got the flyer from skillstrain, but when I saw it, I knew it was what I have been waiting for. But another thing bothered me...the cost. My partner encouraged me to fill the flyer and send it. It took a while but I finally got a call from skillstrain and an adviser came over to the house to see me. I was so happy when I learnt that the school fees can be stretched. I started the course...IT for commerce.
This Christmas will sure be different because not only that am half way into fulfilling my dream to move to greener pastures, am learning in the comfort of my home and at my own pace. This makes it easier for me to fit my personal life around my study time. I still have some time for the baby. And we have the chance to save some money for presents because we are paying in instalments. It's hard to believe that this opportunity is possible. I am so happy and because of skills train I can smile all through this Christmas. All thanks to skillstrain.
-Akunna
I started the Web Design course back in Jan 2006, after a few months off from work due to stress at work. I had come out from the Royal Navy and was working in an office job where I felt stale. This is when I decided that I needed to get my teeth into something new. I was longing for a career in a creative role, as I had studied Media and was an active Photographer.
After seeing something on TV, I thought I should give Skillstrain a ring and discuss the opportunities that they provided. I wanted to incorporate my photography experience with a career in computers and, after discussing this with a Skillstrain representative, decided upon Web Design.
I was unable to give up full time employment to pursue training, due to financial commitments, and my wife was very supportive as she could see how unhappy I was in my current job. I had some knowledge of computers but nothing as much as I have learnt over the past two years completing this course.
I am still trying to complete the course and, on some days, I feel too tired from work to pick up my pen, but I do try and remember who I am doing this for. Not only for myself, as this is something I always wanted (a career in a creative role), but I am doing this for my very supportive wife, who goes to work everyday to a job that she does not like. She is hoping to study herself, but not until I have finished my course, due to the financial cost.
Once I have finished the course, I am hoping to design websites for myself and work on a self employed basis. This will allow more time at home with my wife and in a few years we are hoping to start a family.
-Jayne
In my last study I received 90%, I did study very hard for this chapter as I do for them all, but this time I did have a few distractions but it still paid off. For this particular assignment I did need some help from my tutor and it was really helpful, I was very grateful for that, even though I am not one for asking for help as I like to figure things out for myself. I have started a new time table which my partner did for me, and since starting this I am finding it easier to get my work done, she also tests me when we go on long journeys which I think has helped a grate deal, I am looking forward to progressing even more through my web design course as the more I do it the more I enjoy it. I was not a computer whizz before I started this course, in fact I think it would be safe to say I was the total opposite. But I have now found something I can sink my teeth into, and I am enjoying every minute, even the hard parts.
-Shaun
I have confident in exploring my information send communications with windows xp -opening internet explorer, connect to the internet, display a web page, change the home page save a web page as a file and use the help functions.
I have learnt how to open a URL and collect data, save collected date, follow a hyperlink and return to the original page, create a bookmark folder ad a web page to a bookmark folder and open a bookmarked web page.
Also have learnt how to define search requirements, use a key word in a search, use common logical operators in search, modify the toolbar display, print web pages and change display modes.
Have as well learnt how to start outlook, set up and email account use the help functions and close outlook.
Now, confidently can send email messages. Create them, insert the recipient's email address, and use a spell-checking tool. Add an auto-signature to a message, attach a file to a message, set a message's priority and send a message.
I have gained knowledge of collecting mail from q mailbox, open a message, save an attached file flag a message, reply to a message, forward a message and move text in and between messages.
Again I gained knowledge of adding a new entry to my address book, update my address book from incoming messages, remove an entry from my address book, create a distribution list in my address book and send a message to the contacts on a distribution list.
I now can manage messages by creating a new main folder, move messages between folders, search for a message, sort messages within folders and customise outlook's toolbars without calling anyone to help me. And finally connecting to an ISP.
Thanks to skillstrain and the man that introduce me to it.
-Margaret
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