Lifelong Learning Week: Driving Instructor retrains to pursue a career in accounting
By day, adult learner Mohammed Yahiya works as a self-employed Driving Instructor. Inspired by his wife, who recently signed up to study a part-time AAT accounting course at NSCG, Mo also decided to enrol on an accounting course to kickstart his own career in this sector.
Here, Mo talks about his plans for the future as he embarks on an exciting journey into the world of accounting.
What attracted you to an AAT Accounting course at NSCG?
My wife actually enrolled on an accounting course at NSCG a year before I looked into it and she really enjoyed the experience. I have always had an interest in accounting so I thought I would try it, so signed up for the Level 2 AAT Certificate in Accounting. I'm a self employed driving instructor, so this part-time course was ideal to enable me to study around my business. I've now progressed onto the Level 3 which is going really well.
Balancing work, home life and college can be tricky. How do you manage your time?
It can be difficult sometimes, especially if you've had a busy day at work and you need to complete college work or revise for an upcoming exam. It's easy to just give up or procrastinate, but I enrolled on the course to learn and develop my knowledge and understanding.
How does it feel to pass an assignment or exam?
The initial studying can be a challenge, but once you pass an exam or complete the level, you feel a sense of accomplishment and that makes all the hard work worth it.
Describe the key skills you have developed from your AAT courses?
Learning to read everything very carefully to understand what is being asked of you is a valuable skill. Time management and the ability to review my work in advance of submissions is something I've been able to develop. As a business owner, I am learning useful skills in self-assessment and understanding tax as a whole.
How have your tutors supported you on your journey?
I had to deal with a lot of personal issues and my tutors have been so understanding of this. They've been really supportive in helping me to make studying as manageable as possible.
What would your advice be for other adult learners who are thinking of studying a part-time course?
If studying is something you've been thinking about, then just go for it and don't let anything hold you back. It's always hard at the start, but once you do, you will be well on your way to obtaining the qualifications you set out to achieve.
What’s next for you?
On completion of the Level 3 AAT course, I am aiming to progress onto the Level 4 qualification. The end goal is to hopefully open our own accountancy practice. Exciting times!
Find out more about adult courses at NSCG: Adult Courses