DCG Success Stories

Level 3 education and training qualifications received at Derby College helped animal sciences lecturer Josh Carter review his options after he was diagnosed with a debilitating health condition.

Josh, who is 29, lives with osteoarthritis and spondylolysis which can affect his mobility and causes him severe pain during a flare up.

Originally from South Wales, he first came to the East Midlands to study for a BSc in zoology at Nottingham Trent University.

After graduating he worked in various roles, including in education and training for a chain of noodle bars and as a freelance animal consultant helping institutes with their licensing process

Unsure of what to do after his condition worsened, he sought careers advice and through the Job Centre was put in touch with Towards Work, part of the national Building Better Opportunities Programme, which is based at Derby College.

Josh said: “Towards Work were so helpful and pointed me in the direction of the Level 3 Education and Training course at the Roundhouse. Because of health issues I qualified for funding through the programme and they assisted me with that too.

I liked the course. Our lecturers were supportive and understanding of my access needs. They made practical adjustments such as ensuring I had good access to the lift as mobility can be a problem.

They also had someone else to take notes for me when necessary. When I have a flare up, I need to take exceptionally strong medication which can affect my concentration.”

Since completing the course Josh has started a job as an animal science lecturer at Nottingham College.

He added: “I didn’t think I’d be offered this job as I haven’t got my PGCE yet, but my level 3 in Education and Training plus my wide industry experience both in animals science and in training people went very much in my favour.”