We caught up with Karen Lightley, a Lecturer in Hair and Beauty, to find out why she chose to work at Newcastle College and how she has found her journey so far!
When did you join the College?
I joined the college in November 2021, so I’m still fairly new to the college.
What attracted you to working at the College?
I was attracted by the college ethos and drive to evolve, grow and improve as a college.
Why did you apply for the role?
I applied for the role for the opportunity to cascade my skills and knowledge of the industry to learners, and to possibly have input in shaping the course to meet industry requirements and enrich the lives of passionate young people.
How did you find the application process?
I found the application process very easy and straight forward.
What’s the best thing about your role?
The best thing about my role is being able to inspire and enthuse young people about their chosen career path and help them to achieve their dreams by gaining industry employment.
What’s the best thing about working at the College?
The best thing about working at the college is the amount of support provided by colleagues, and managers to help me develop and succeed as a teaching practitioner in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
Have you had any opportunities to progress at the College?
Within the 10 weeks of working at the college there have been opportunities to progress within the department and opportunities to expand my own teaching role with regards to teaching extra sessions within Higher Education.
What are the benefits for you working at the College?
The benefits of working at the college include the fact that there are opportunities for growth and to develop my knowledge and skillset further as a teaching practitioner. Suggestions I have regarding how to improve are listened to and implemented, which have a positive impact on the learner experience and industry requirements.
What advice would you give you someone looking to apply at Newcastle College?
I would advise someone thinking about applying to Newcastle college to go for it! I had previously worked at, and therefore had an emotional attachment to, another Further Education college for over 9 years so I was hesitant to apply at first. However, I knew deep down that for career progression it was too much of an excellent opportunity to dismiss. I am so pleased that I applied here.
What has been your highlight in teaching to date?
Highlights of my teaching practice to date include seeing learners win awards and seeing them progress into industry, following their dreams. I have even worked with some of them in industry! That’s a proud moment: to feel like I had some part in shaping the learners’ careers.
Could you describe your time at the College in one sentence?
My time at the college has been filled with fast paced, dynamic, enlightening, challenging and exciting moments that have taught me so much already and helped me to develop my teaching practice, with opportunities to progress and develop further within my career.
