Q&A with HNC Computing Learner, Jack Turner

26 November 2025

Professional Studies

Institute of Technology

Jack recently signed up for a short Cyber Security course funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Having taken this big step back into education as an adult learner, Jack has now chosen to progress to the HNC Computing course.

We recently caught up with Jack to find out how this university-level course is helping him to develop industry-ready skills.

The course is great and even though we're only a few weeks in, it has taught be valuable project management skills preparing us for a career in this sector.

Jack Turner, HNC Computing

You recently studied the 10-week Cyber Security course through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. How did this give you the confidence and motivation to step up to a higher education course?

The short course was brilliant. My lecturer was great and I feel like doing that short course really helped me to get back into learning and it's opened up an opportunity for me to return to education as an adult learner after many years away from education.

Stepping into college on your first day, how did you feel?

I previously studied Music Performance at Stafford College, but it was very strange stepping into a different college and I was very nervous. I knew that I would probably be one of the oldest people in the class but I found new friends quickly and I have a solid group that supports each other in work and personally. This has been really positive for me.

How do the smaller class sizes enhance your learning experience?

The lecturers have more time to explain the areas that you need more help with which is definitely benefiting my development. I previously studied a Degree in Music Production which was taught in huge groups which wasn't a positive experience for me.

How is the course helping you to grow professionally?

Group-based learning is working well for me as it teaches you how to work within a varied group of people with different life and work experiences. The course is already helping me to develop project management skills which would have been hard to attain outside of this course.

What has been the best part of the course so far for you?

Making new friends has been very positive. Realising I wasn't alone as an adult learner has given me lots of confidence and positive experiences to really grow as a person. From a course point of view, I have learnt so much already about the world of cyber security and programming - both areas I am interested in working in as a career.

Have there been any major challenges stepping back into education?

Honestly, getting back into 'learning mode' has been a challenge. It's not something I've had to do for over 5 years, so it's been strange allocating more of my time to learning. But on the plus side being older, I'm motivated to complete the course and I have my future clearly in my sights.

Looking forward, where would you like to be in 5 years?

I hope to have developed valuable skills and deeper knowledge of cyber security to help me to get my foot in the door with a variety of businesses. My dream job would be to work for a programming company building bespoke websites or products or to work in cyber security.