Being an educational trainer can be a rewarding and challenging career path. As an educational trainer, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on so many lives.

We spoke with Suzanne, who has been working with ECC for over a year now – We feel that her experiences show how gratifying it can be to work here.

Hi Suzanne, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Suzanne. I am 53 years old and live in Maldon with my husband & youngest son and my little menagerie of much-loved pets.

Prior to working at ECC I had worked in Education for 15 years: 7 years in a Mainstream Primary School and then 8 years at a Pupil Referral Unit for students aged 11 to 16 years.

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What prompted you to apply for role at ECC?

I knew I still wanted to work with young people but, I felt I needed something a little different with more challenge. I was drawn to the positive benefits this course can bring to young people with Special Educational Needs.

Amazing! Can you tell us a bit more about the role you do?

The key part of my role is to visit various SEN schools on a weekly basis over an 11 week period to deliver our Travel Training Foundation Course – the course teaches the young people fundamental skills like Road Safety & Awareness, Distractions & Hazards and Personal Safety etc. The course is delivered as alternate classroom based & practical sessions for each topic. i.e. Week 1 Road Safety & Awareness classroom based using Powerpoint and videos with lots of student participation then Week 2 – Road Safety & Awareness out in the local community putting into practice what we have been learning. My role also includes keeping updated records for each student. At the end of the course, we then discuss whether the student is ready for a referral for One to One Travel Training for their Home to School & School to Home journey.

Our aim is to encourage as many of our students as possible to become Independent Travellers using public transport.

What do you enjoy most about your role as an Educational Trainer?

Teaching the young people these essential life skills is extremely rewarding. When I have a student who suffers with high levels of anxiety and is even anxious coming out in the local community with their peers while participating in the travel training course, to then meet up with them a year later and they say: ‘Hi Suzanne, I completed my one to one travel training after doing the course and now I travel to college on my own by bus – I never thought I would be able to do this’, it makes me realise what a valuable part we are playing in the future of these young people.

Teaching the young people these essential life skills is extremely rewarding.

Suzanne Little

What would your advice be to anyone considering a career as an Educational Trainer?

If you enjoy working with young people, are confident speaking to a class and feel passionate about encouraging young people with SEN to build their confidence and independence, then don’t hesitate, this could be the perfect role for you!

You don’t even have to put together the PowerPoints, the programme has already been written ready to use and you will have training including shadowing other members of the team. You will be joining a hugely supportive and friendly team who will offer you support and guidance along the way.

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