Denise Carlin

Catering Assistant, Foyle

It was a real stepping stone, it made me determined to do something

I work in Altnagelvin Hospital in the canteen. I saw the Return to Learn advertised and just put my name down, I didn’t know what to expect at all. I had done my GCSEs in school but then went straight into work, I wanted a wage and just gave up on my education.

The Return to Learn had a wee bit of everything – Maths, English, computers, and it gave me confidence because we did things like role plays. I actually enjoyed doing assignments and was very proud of what I achieved. It helped me develop my skills in communication, numbers and has helped my confidence.

It was a real stepping stone, it made me determined to do something. A careers advisor from EGSA came along to talk to the group near the end of the course, who helped point me in the right direction on different options. It was through her that I found out about the humanities course in the College. I went over and put my name down and would like to get onto it. Ultimately I would like to do social work, I’m still young, I’m only 25, so I could go back and do it.

I’d definitely encourage anyone to give something like Return to Learn a go.

Since this interview, Denise has signed up for the Open University K100 Understanding Health & Social Care course