Laura Jenkins

I left school at the age of sixteen, with no qualification. I started work with Torfaen and embarked in a painting and decorating course for a year, I also did a catering course. I then worked in a local manufacturing company for two years. At the age of 20 I became a mother. For the next 14 years I stayed at home bringing up my children, listening to my partner talking about his day at work, I felt very lonely, lost some of my confidence and was disillusioned with my life. So when all my children were in school I returned to employment, although I worked for a company for the next four years I never felt satisfied within myself and my confidence was at an all time low.

I was given the opportunity to work in a local school as a part-time relief cleaner, which I really enjoyed. I was then offered a post as a part-time midday supervisor. This was great I enjoyed the time I spent with the children and wished I could work with the children more. Luckily, I was asked if I would be interested in becoming a learning support assistant at Garnteg Primary School, I felt that this could be a wonderful opportunity, as adore working with children. But, I was also worried and felt I was not good enough for the job as I had no qualifications. After confiding to a member of staff that I didn’t think I was employable, she encouraged me to go along to the school and have a taster as she thought I was ideal for the job. I really enjoyed the taster session and agreed to train as a teaching assistant so began working at the school training.

Although my confidence did improve, I would still sit at the back and let others take over. I felt inadequate due to my lack of qualifications. It was always at the back of my mind and gave me sleepless night knowing that one day I would have to gain my teaching assistants qualification. I was encouraged by the Head Teacher to have a go at my NVQ Level 2. One thing that upset me while I was doing my level 2 course, was that other students were able to hand in assignments completed on the computer, and although I have a computer at home I had to hand write mine as I was not up to date with today’s technology. I realised that not having the experience with computers was now holding me back in both my career and personal life. When I discussed this with the Head Teacher she suggested that I would benefit from an I.C.T. courses which was taking place at Garnsychan Partnership. I was very nervous in the beginning but the tutor soon put me at ease and guided me through things with patience, her knowledge of computers is vast and she was able to answer any of my questions and train me in specific areas I needed support with. I really enjoyed the course and learnt lots of new skills. I also took part in the course that the Garnsychan Partnership was running at the school with children and their parents. I enjoyed the course so much, especially working alongside parents and children, seeing how the children could use ICT within the classroom and help the parents to understand how IT skills could help them with their children, in everyday life and how important IT skills are to get a job.

It was great working with the children and I really enjoyed the activities we did, I have learnt how to use a digital microscope and microphone and how to save pictures and videos. I was also taught how to use child friendly programmes. This has been extremely helpful to me as I can now work with groups of children passing on the knowledge to them. I am no longer a person who stands at the back but I am more willing to have a go, it’s fabulous that I now have experiences that I can share to encourage good work practise and I also used my new skills to gain my NVQ Level 2 certificate.

I am no longer afraid of the computer and use it regularly within my work place, I am also using it in my personal life I couldn’t imagine not being able to use a computer and the internet now. As I now have more confidence I will continue to obtain new qualifications such as NVQ Maths and English. I am now going to continue my classes with Garnsychan Partnership.

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