As a single parent with two young children, I decided the best way to get back into education would be to do an access course. I contacted Cardiff Women’s Workshop and enrolled on the Communications and Network course. From there, I got into IT and found work straightaway.
The course was great – I gained masses of confidence just by doing something that made me use my brain. And everything was a challenge – I learnt how to fix computers and to get to grips with how they work.
The two month’s work experience that I did as part of my course also helped me gain confidence. I felt comfortable in the work environment and able to deal with whatever was thrown at me.
My job is great, as no two days are the same. The financial security is great, because my skills will always be needed by businesses everywhere and I feel that I will have work for as long as I want it.
My company is also very flexible, which fits in with all my family arrangements. And because it’s IT, I can work from home (once the children have gone to bed!). So it’s all incredibly convenient.
It’s a constant learning process and I’m always gaining new skills to solve the various problems that come my way. I am in a great position because I have expertise, skills and job security.
Originally published on the Know Your Place web site