Jamie Tomelty, of Cookstown, is studying for a BTEC GNVQ in Leisure and Recreational Studies at East Tyrone College of Further and Higher Education in Dungannon.
“I chose to enrol for Leisure and Recreational Studies at East Tyrone College of Further and Higher Education College in Dungannon was a natural decision for me because of my interest in sport. I played and enjoyed a range of sports at Cookstown High School, including football, and wanted to find a career, a physical education teacher for example, that would enable me to continue this interest.
“The college also had a good reputation for its recreational studies and a very well equipped gymnasium. I wasn’t keen on working in an office and was looking for a career based in outdoors activities.
“In my final GCSE year I approached the college to find out about courses and the necessary entry qualifications. College staff was very helpful and I was taken with the facilities and the overall approach. It was therefore delighted when I achieved the necessary entry qualifications of at least four GCSEs and was accepted on to the full time course to study for a BTEC GNVQ. I also qualified for a monthly Access grant to cover the fees and other expenses. I’ve learned to be very careful with budgeting for my outgoings. Living at home helps but travelling to college is a cost that has to be taken into account. You’ve just got to be careful with money.
“It’s a two-year course that covers everything about leisure and recreation, such as fitness testing and training, coaching, marketing and hospitality. I enjoy the variety and flexibility that the college course offers. It’s a very practical course that also requires regular attendance at lectures and a lot of study. The teaching is good, and I haven’t found any problems in adapting to college life. It takes a bit of discipline of course.
“For me, another important aspect of the course is the opportunity it offers to move into other parts of the leisure and hospitality industry, including management. The next step I am planning is to gain a place on the HND course in leisure management at Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education. Studying at East Tyrone has shown me the breadth of opportunities now developing in the leisure and hospitality sectors, now among Northern Ireland’s fastest growing industries.
“There’s a chance to find work, including management posts, in fitness centres, leisure centres and outdoor pursuits centres, as well as hotels and in education. So, I believe the qualification will help me find a good and rewarding career with plenty of room to progress.
“Overall, I reckon the decision to enrol at East Tyrone was a wise move. It’s totally different from school. I love being there and having the opportunity to learn at a pace that suits me. I’ve learned to manage my time and study effectively. It’s given me confidence and a determination to succeed in my chosen career. Some people may find the prospect of independent study a bit scary. I didn’t. I soon realised that the level of success is related directly to the amount of work you put in. At college there’s no-one going to force you to study. They expect you to be adult enough to realise that you have to work to get ahead.
‘There’s also plenty of help and advice readily available from the college and the teaching staff.
Guidance and information are available too from the Student Services Centre on grants, student loans, access funds, benefits and personal budgeting.”
TIPS FOR FURTHER EDUCATION STUDENTS
1. Be prepared to socialise and take time to make friends. This will make college life more enjoyable. It also means you should get involved in some of the student activities.
- Don’t be afraid to discuss you ideas, hopes and problems with your tutor. You’ll generally find them very keen to help you, especially with course work.
- Consider other opportunities in the college to gain experience and useful qualifications. This will help you in your career, especially now that there is so much of a focus on lifelong learning.
- Look at ways to manage your time and to ensure that you keep up with course work. Leaving everything to the last minute when project work, for example, is due creates unnecessary stress.
- Be careful with your finances. Learn to budget and stick to it.