EDUCATION
Knowledge – The Etc.’ s Jason Faulkner is a passionate advocate of lifelong learning.
Adults take note...
No matter what stage you are at in your career, it never hurts to add a few more strings to your bow.
In a world that is rapidly evolving around us, it’ s never been more important to keep your skills fresh. Whether upskilling in your existing role or retraining for a new direction, the Education Training Collective’ s deputy chief executive, Jason Faulkner, says a return to the classroom shouldn’ t be something to fear.
Across the college group it offers a variety of study options for adults, including part-time, access to higher education, commercial and higher education courses.
The group also works alongside employers to meet specific industry demands, offering the likes of skills bootcamps, apprenticeships and bespoke, employer-led programmes.
Jason says it’ s fantastic to see people who may have long dreamed of returning to the classroom find the courage to walk through the door. Many start the course feeling nervous but will ultimately go on to flourish.
He should know, as he explains:“ I sit here as someone who retrained as an adult learner after leaving the military to go on to become the deputy chief executive officer of a college group.”
A true advocate of lifelong learning, he says fast-paced changes to the way we live and work are rapidly becoming a constant in our daily lives. From a work perspective, this means keeping skills up to date is more vital than ever.
“ Innovation in all sectors is increasingly seeing the skill requirements of job roles shift and change within our working lives,” says Jason.
The good news is that further education providers are ideally placed to work both with individuals and employers looking to upskill their workforce.
Whether choosing to study in their own time or training for work, Jason knows going back to the classroom can be daunting.
He explains:“ There is the fear of failure and wondering if you can do this, a fear of being surrounded by younger classmates or simply a lack of self-belief. Some may not have previously enjoyed the school environment.”
But, as years of experience and student feedback has taught him, he says:“ College isn’ t a scary place, it is filled with likeminded learners, of all ages, and teachers and staff ready to offer their expertise and support.”
The Etc. incorporates Bede Sixth Form College, Innersummit, NETA Training, Redcar and Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College.
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