Tempted to do a L3 course...but what in? It will be my highest qualification to date...

[ForeverTipsy]

Ok, try not to judge please. I left school at 16, with four GCSE's A-C (D in maths). Did an NVQ L2 in Business Admin. Had a full life so far and am mid-40s. I've Travelled, had various jobs in various sectors, married, kids now older (secondary aged).

I have recently been out of work and enjoyed doing a L2 in Digital Marketing, and have previously enjoyed a L2 in Counselling Skills as have a keen interest in psychology. I am now in a fulfilling part-time admin role in an office and keen to up-skill and keep growing. Other skill set is in group facilitation and clinical supervision.

So, what L3 course would be a broad, looks-good-on-a-CV one to add as a string to my bow as a highest qualification do we think? I'm tempted by a L3 Award in Education and Training, as could incorporate some training into my new role and manager would support. Or perhaps a L3 in Management/Team Leading as can see where my current role may end up.

Any experience to share please?

I'd suggest GCSE Maths (and English, if you don't have a C).

Lack of Maths GCSE pass is limiting.

Ok, thanks. I got an A in Spanish, B's in Eng Lit and Lang, C in History. I did GCSE Psychology in my early 20s and got an A*.

Not having GCSE Maths has never stopped me getting jobs in the past tbh (Well, I've never been told it's a barrier). I think I am confident, affable, eloquent and have a lot of hands-on, real-life work experience in a variety of settings and countries, which has served me well in interviews in the jobs I've gone for previously (admittedly not particularly lofty ones!).

I feel I would only want to get my GCSE maths if it was going to be a gateway to a further course or career, or if I needed it for a particular role.

I am in education and I think your choices of Education and Training or Management are great! See if you could do the Cert in E&T rather than the award.

Good luck!

@StMarie4me funnily enough, I was meant to do the L3 Cert in Education & Training a few years ago at a local college (despite not having my maths in GCSE - I did an interview and they saw my CV and were happy enough I'd cope fine) but the course kind of collapsed due to low numbers and the area I was "teaching" in didn't fit their mould/the tutor couldn't accommodate assessing my during the sessions etc so I withdrew and got a full refund.

So, I'm thinking the Award/L3 would be a good starting point. My manager has recently qualified in this so can help 😀

Maybe look at some Microsoft Office Specialist courses. They don’t map to the NQF (so aren’t specifically Level 2 or Level 3) but they will link with your current role and are really useful.

Actually, where I currently work, we don't use Microsoft so much. A little bit of Word and Excel, but mostly GoogleDocs, GoogleMeet, GoogleSheets, GoogleForms and sector-specific programmes and apps. We don't use Teams, though I do use that in a freelance role I have with the NHS.

What's your motivation? Eg data analysis is where the money is at.

I see loads of coding bootcamps aimed at women on my Instagram, often free.

Good question! I guess just to keep growing and learning, keeping my brain ticking over. Money is not a motivator tbh. I'm more focused on having a fulfilling role that I enjoy and that helps people. Currently in the adult social care sector and enjoy it, but wouldn't be averse to changing to a different sector such as education.

I get a buzz out of helping people, and helping them to grow as individuals. So thinking team leader or supervisor roles might suit me/my stage of life.

I've just done a L3 in management and leadership. You need a C or level 2 in maths to complete the qualification.

I had to do level 2 maths alongside my level 3 qualification

I did pass it though. And got a distinction in my L3. Its the highest qualification I have too

Good luck op

Oh wow @K0OLA1D that's amazing - well done! So you did the L3 and L2 maths at the same time? How hard did you find the maths? And how many hours a week were you working please? Sorry for all the questions! I'm working 15hrs per week so hoping doing a L3 alongside is do-able.

Thank you! Yes did it at the same time. You had to pass the L2 maths before you could go for the end point assessment for the L3 qualification.

Honestly I have always really struggled with maths. My brain thinks I can't do it and I question every answer I get! But I really quite enjoyed the practice i did. I did tonnes of practice papers to build up my confidence.

I worked FT, but it was a workplace course, so I had to do it alongside my job and factor in my role and use the skills learned in practice.

I enjoyed it!

@K0OLA1D oh, that all sounds like my perfect scenario to be honest! I have a phobia of maths and a mental block/zero confidence, too. I've never felt it's held me back hence not bothering, and have always said I will ONLY do it when it's absolutely essential. So starting a L3 and not being able to pass unless I do my GCSE maths would be that sort of situation/perfect motivator, as if I start something I need to finish it. I do have a good friend who teaches maths, so know I can lean on her.

I'm also a kinesthetic learner, so would need to be putting the new theories and practice in place in real-time (ish) to really understand them.

Looks like I need to have a chat with my boss 😉 Do you mind me asking which college you did it with please? Was it all online?

Sorry, posted twice.

That sounds exactly like me, regarding your maths! Up to this point it never really held me back either. I have to say I felt more proud of myself passing the maths than the actual qualification 🤣

So the tutors I did the qualification with was Performance Through People. It was all online classes but the tutors do like to do face to face occasionally as well, to go through your projects etc and make sure you're all on track. The qualification was through Highfield.