Shannon Barbour
Supported Programmes
Preparation for Work
“I thought I was coming to college for education, but I got so much more than that: friendships, support, independence, guidance and a push when I needed it. I have had such an amazing journey here.”
When Shannon Barbour found out about the Preparation for Work course through her guidance teacher at school, she thought the course would be a great way to continue her education. It turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to her.
Shannon says, “I thought I was coming to college for education, but I got so much more than that: friendships, support, independence, guidance and a push when I needed it. I have had such an amazing journey here.”
Throughout her time on the course, Shannon studied a variety of subjects that she describes as “a taster of things you could go on to do in the work life,” including numeracy, hospitality, communication, health and wellbeing, and a project on self in the community. But it was the support she got from her lecturers that really stands out as the best thing about the course:
“The college has helped me a lot; it has changed me for the better. It’s been the best thing that’s happened to me. The lecturers have been absolutely amazing, which has helped me develop personally and grown as a person. They are extremely supportive and very considerate of every student in the class. My academic tutor has also been a massive part in my experience at college and also my journey.
“Throughout this course I have enjoyed gaining pieces of myself I never knew I had, and re-building the lost pieces I had in me.”
Though Shannon is sad to be leaving behind her Preparation for Work course, she is looking forward to the future. Her journey at NESCol will continue with the Qualification for Work course, where she is hoping to focus on gaining skills in retail.
“This course has just been the most amazing time. To the people that apply for this course, I wish you the very best, and I hope the course benefits you the same way it did for me.
“To anyone who is thinking of applying, I would recommend this course 100%. The lecturers and support is the best and it is just what people need when they are unsure of what to do. From a personal experience, it does lead you into the right direction of life.
“Do your best and rise above, be the best version of yourself and remember ‘small steps in the right direction lead to huge changes in the medium and long term’.”