A former SSI worker has embarked on a teaching career after learning new skills at Redcar & Cleveland College.
Bilal Sohaib Ahmed enrolled on a BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training at the college after losing his job when the Thai-owned steelmaker closed its Teesside operations last autumn.
The qualification has paved the way for Bilal, who lives in Acklam, to find work in the teaching sector.
He has now returned to Redcar & Cleveland College to teach adult learners on the Level 5 Leadership and Management course, while working towards his Level 4 Certificate in Teaching and Learning. It’s a radical departure from his former career as a senior engineer at SSI, although he also does consultancy work helping manufacturers manage and optimise the efficiency of their plants.
Bilal said: “I had built up a lot of management experience in my SSI role so I thought it would be good if I could pass on my knowledge to others who want to progress into a senior role. Effective leadership and management skills can be transferred across a wide range of sectors and can lead to a variety of jobs.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying the teaching and I don’t think I’d have landed the position without the qualification gained from Redcar & Cleveland College.”
The BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an introductory teaching qualification that allows students to progress into a variety of careers in the sector. It is suitable for those who are already in further education, adult and community education, the voluntary sector or on a work-based learning programme.
The course has also attracted technicians or support staff who want to work in further education, training, or in public services.
Di Pearson, course leader and lecturer at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “It’s fantastic that Bilal has found a teaching role after studying at our college. The closure of the SSI plant led to hundreds of job losses and devastated the local community.
“Now, however, Redcar is slowly starting to recover and many workers who were made redundant have now found alternative employment.”
For further information on Redcar & Cleveland College, please call 01642 473 132 or visithttp://www.cleveland.ac.uk.