DCG Success Stories

Teaching assistant Padraig Finan can’t imagine having a more enjoyable job, nor could he be any happier on his college course.

Padraig, a former schools’ sports coaching apprentice, is on the level 3 Teaching Assistant diploma at Derby College and employed at Wren Park Primary School in Mickleover.

Working with children in Years 1,2 and 3, he attends the Roundhouse on day release.

He said: “I absolutely love college. Our lecturers are amazing – they’ll help you with anything, anytime – and the people I’m learning with  are great too.

“We all support each other. College is just such a happy place to be. I’m the only male on the course but that hasn’t mattered at all.

“We learn from each other’s experiences as we’re all in different schools. Some of the TAs work with special needs pupils, for instance and I’m able to share my sports coaching background with the people on my course.”

Padraig, who regularly plays golf, tennis and football, is not a sports teacher as such but enjoys taking the children outside to get some exercise and fresh air.

He added: “We have a run around on Friday afternoons in the school playing field and on Tuesday lunchtimes I play football with the Year 2s, who are aged 7.

“Some of our Year 2 boys in particular have struggled in lockdown so it does them good to get outside and let off some steam.”

His plan once he qualifies in December is to continue as a TA for a few years but ultimately, he would like to train as a teacher.

Padraig said: “I’m in one of the best jobs you could possibly have, helping the next generation to learn. I can’t think that there would be many better jobs.

“It’s so rewarding, seeing people improve their skills and grow in confidence and knowing you’ve had a part in that.”