Teaching Course Opens Doors for Graduate as She Returns to First Career Passion
Elyse Hopkins from Ystalyfera has turned her long-held dream of becoming a teacher into a reality after completing the Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) course in Swansea.
Teaching was always on Elyse鈥檚 radar. Since childhood, she had aspired to stand at the front of a classroom. However, after graduating in 2019, she initially chose to pursue a career in policing, viewing it as a secure option.
A few years later, inspired by friends applying to the PCET course, Elyse found herself drawn back to education.
鈥淚 knew friends were applying for this course and as it was in Swansea, it was very convenient for me,鈥 Elyse explained. 鈥淚 wanted to find out more about adult education to make sure this is what I wanted to do as a career, and I feel like the course really did that.鈥
Elyse embraced the experience wholeheartedly.
鈥淚’ve really enjoyed every second of the course. The staff were extremely helpful especially my tutor Marion Phillips. The variety of topics discussed and the guidance helped me to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching in an encouraging and positive way.鈥
As part of her training, Elyse taught at Swansea College of Art, where she also made a point of incorporating the Welsh language into her lessons.
鈥淚 wanted to introduce more Welsh to the students and also to develop my own skills to become more confident in the language. Apart from delivering bilingual lessons, I also spoke Welsh with my tutor and used Welsh in conversations with my peers,鈥 she said.
Elyse鈥檚 decision to return to her first love of teaching has already proven worthwhile. She has secured a position as a Welsh language tutor on the professional policing course at the University of South Wales.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared: 鈥淚 would definitely recommend this course to those who are trying to become an PCET teacher. The team is so welcoming and supportive and will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to teach confidently. With the support I’ve received, my confidence has grown so much in various aspects as well as my ability in Welsh as well as the confidence to speak in groups to deliver sessions. I hope to further extend my teaching skills to different subjects as my career progresses.鈥
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076