Stefania Testimonial

Stefania has completed our Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2 course and is currently completing the Specific Learning Difficulties Level 2 course.

Stefania already had experience supporting children through being a mum, and many years ago, she had also worked in a school that supported children with Down syndrome. When the opportunity arose to complete the Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2 course, Stefania remembered how much she had enjoyed this type of work and decided to give the course a try.

Since completing the course, Stefania has successfully secured a role in a local school as a Midday Assistant. She shared how the course helped her prepare for the interview: “It has given me a lot of extra knowledge. Even though I felt I knew a lot, I learned so much more. This was a huge plus when going for my interview. I could back myself up with examples, like safeguarding. I went for the interview in the morning and was told that afternoon I had the job.”

The course made a real difference to Stefania’s confidence and understanding. “The course was fantastic, and the tutor Anita, is amazing. She caters to everyone’s needs. Whenever a new course becomes available, I want to do it. You think you know things, but there is so much you aren’t aware of. You gain that knowledge and put it to good use. I feel so much more knowledgeable than when I started the course.” She also gained a deeper awareness of policies, legislation, and how to identify specific learning difficulties: “It’s made me more aware.”

Stefania describes the learning experience as exciting and motivating. “I get excited to go each week and see the class and Anita. It’s been a really nice class and a really nice group of people, which made it a great atmosphere.” The course also gave her the confidence to step into a new career path: “It was a new career path from my usual, which is customer service. When I passed the interview, it gave me a boost of confidence. All the information Anita taught me I was able to use; it was always in the back of my mind.”

Having an approachable and knowledgeable tutor made the experience even more valuable. “It’s nice to have a tutor who is approachable. Anita’s experience really shows through her teaching. She can resonate with people and teach you things that make you interested. It was one of the best qualifications I’ve done in years.”

Looking ahead, Stefania’s goal is to secure a full-time Teaching Assistant role. She reflects on what her success means personally: “It makes you feel good, especially being a single mum and putting in the effort and time, and then being successful in a job interview. It makes it all worth it. It’s amazing; it boosts your confidence and confirms that it was the right decision to do this course. It also makes my classmates feel confident. If they see someone getting a job, it gives them hope that it can happen for them too.”

Stefania, referred to 3D by partner Torus Foundation, is set to start her role at a local school, putting her skills and knowledge into practice.