A MUM-OF-TWO is encouraging other adults to follow their dreams after retraining to become a teaching assistant.

Mandy Ward from Leigh, returned to education after a ten-year break to study for a new career as a Teaching Assistant at Leigh College after enjoying helping her own children at school.

Mandy, who has been working with adults with learning and physical difficulties in the community for the past 10 years, said: “I love the course. Coming back to College was a bit daunting at first, but learning as an adult is easier than when you are younger because you are more motivated, so you do things differently.”

Mandy progressed from Level 2 to Level 3 and works at her children’s school, St Thomas Primary in Leigh.

“I love my job,” Mandy added. “Getting to know what makes children tick and finding ways for them to learn is brilliant. The mums at the school want to know how I am progressing and some of them want to do the Level 2 course now.”

Wigan & Leigh College launched its Adult Guide for courses starting in September, Course Leader, Anne Frear, is encouraging people to sign up.

“We have all had a challenging time under lockdown, but as restrictions begin to lift getting back to learning, or taking up a new subject or interest could be a welcome boost. Research suggests that learning something new improves mental health and wellbeing, developing confidence and a new lease of life for many.”

The College is offering a range of study options for Teaching Assistants at levels 2 through to 4, with courses held at various times on different days of the week at Leigh Adult Learning Centre, to fit in with childcare or working patterns.

Other courses on offer include Access to Higher Education Diplomas, as a route to university, in subjects ranging from Business, Computing and Health, to Teaching, Psychology and Science. Subjects at GCSE in Art, Business, Sciences and Psychology are new for September, along with and many more full and part-time courses.

Many adults can study for free depending on circumstances.

Visit wigan-leigh.ac.uk for the full and up-to-date course guide.