Kylie Roach, one of our Technical Coaches in the Plumbing Department at college spoke to us about her transition from a student to an employee. Kylie came back to college to train for a career that fit around her family life. The College’s flexibility has allowed her to build her dream career, with a team she loves and that allows her to prioritise her personal life.
How my role has evolved
“My role when I started was half Tutoring and half the department Technician. The tutors would set the lessons off and then I’d take over the lessons to support the tutors and the learners. I have already done all Level 1, 2 and 3 Plumbing qualifications so I knew what was going on. I am now teaching the Aspire Programme and running workshops, around 15 hours a week in classrooms as well as being a coach.
Taking a chance
I did my Plumbing Level 1,2 and 3 at Chesterfield College. Half way through my Level 3 course I applied for the Technical Coach position, not really sure what it was about but I thought the worst that could happen was that I’d get turned down. It went so well, they followed me out of the interview and offered me the job. I was so happy. When I first started, it was just finding my feet and since then it has evolved and my responsibility has expanded.
Gaining my teaching qualifications
I did my Level 3 Award in Teaching in my first 12 weeks and now I’m doing my Level 4 alongside my teaching here at college. Afterwards I am going to complete my CertEd. The next stepping stone for me, would definitely be a lecturer in the plumbing department. I love my team and love working here.
Working around my family life
I chose plumbing as I wanted to work around my children and school hours. When I started my course, I was thinking, a college would be a great place to work, as you have school holidays, the hours are similar and its quite flexible. I never expected to end up working here though, or get the job. I absolutely love it.
It had been years since I was learning, I was a single parent and I moved house, started building myself up again, the kids were at school and I was looking for something to work around my personal life. I went to the open evening at college, looking at the trades. I decided on plumbing and I’m so glad I did.
The industry gender gap is changing
When I started the course there were two females and then it crept to three and built up from there. We had the conversation about being a female in a male orientated role. It has been great to be honest. It’s important to have a mix of genders in the trade as clients have preferences, especially elderly ladies for example. In a couple of years time, I think they’ll be a 50/50 split in the classroom. I think having a woman tutor in the department helps. It is inspirational seeing someone in a position you desire to be in.”