Adult learner, Sam O'Brien developed a keen interest in electrical installation after a renovation project and chose to sign up for our part-time evening Level 2 Electrical course to develop his working knowledge of electrical installation. That was just the start of a new career for Sam, who now combines his passion for inspiring young people with his interest in electrics by working here at NSCG as Curriculum Leader for Level 2 Electrical.
Studying around family life can be challenging, but it's really worth it if you're looking to do something for yourself or if you're thinking about a change of career direction.
Sam O'Brien, Level 2 and Level 3 Electrical Installation | Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement | Level 4 Award in in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes & Practice | Level 3 Electrical Installation & Maintenance NVQ
When my wife and I bought our first home together, we needed to take it back to brick and start again and during this renovation, I started to do some electrical work. I enjoyed it so much that it inspired me to change my career. Luckily, my Dad is a builder so I was able to gain hands-on experience with him and the electricians he used on his jobs.
During my Level 2 studies, I laboured with my Dad, but whilst completing my Level 3 electrical course, I secured a job with Magdalene (part of M Group) installing telecoms and the associated power in substations across the Scottish Power Energy Network in Merseyside, Shropshire and North Wales.
It has definitely been tough especially as we had our first child when I first started studying and at the time, I was doing a physically demanding day job. However, the lecturers and the students on my course made it really enjoyable, so it was something to look forward to.
I’ve always had a passion for helping others and whilst at university, I worked part-time at City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form supporting the History department. When I graduated, I was offered a full-time position as a Progress Coach and I loved helping the learners to be the best they could.
Having a young family and travelling for work wasn’t ideal so when the opportunity came up to start teaching electrical at NSCG came up, I jumped at the chance. My electrical qualifications and my PGCE helped me to secure the position. I hold a Masters Degree in History so I have experience of supporting young people and enjoy the academic side of studying.
Travelling to and from Stafford College from Newcastle-under-Lyme for the evening part-time courses was probably the biggest challenge especially after sleepless nights with a baby and working all day as a labourer.
Learning new skills to help my future students whilst having the in-demand skill set for industry has definitely been the most rewarding part of gaining my electrical qualifications. I really enjoy helping the learners in my classes to develop their skills and think about their future careers after college. To develop my teaching skills further, I have also studied the Level 3 TAQA (Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance) course and I’m also currently studying the Level 3 Electrical Installation and Maintenance NVQ.
Be prepared to work hard and keep focusing on the end goal of reaching your chosen career. There will be set backs, both professional and personal, but you have to be resilient and keep moving forward.
