Support worker Jessica finds her dream job

“It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Thanks to Open Study College I’m now working full time in my chosen career.”

Jessica, 18, Suffolk

Jessica recently completed her Level 2 certificate in the principles of working with individuals with learning disabilities, studying with us. She is now in her chosen career as a support worker for people with Down’s syndrome, and talks about why she decided to follow the distance learning route.

“Open Study College offered me great flexibility to work alongside my studies. This balance ensured that I was growing both academically but also gaining essential on-the-job practical experience, which is really important for my future. 

“Whilst studying I was a support worker for people with Down’s Syndrome. I work for a charity called Project 21 who run activities, clubs and events for people with Down’s Syndrome.  

“I also worked privately as a personal assistant, so this, coupled with my charity and social care work, meant that I needed to be able to fit everything in and with OSC that was possible. My course gave me the full freedom that I needed - I also enjoyed that I could complete my studies from anywhere and wasn’t restrained to a college or classroom.”

When asked about challenges she might have faced, Jessica talks about finding the course really well organised and describes her experience with the Open Study College team:

“I didn’t feel as though I faced many challenges at all whilst completing my course; it was a smooth sailing experience.  The Open Study College team fully supported me in gaining experience and knowledge in the career I wanted to have, which helped achieve the goal I had from the very start.”

Jessica offers some advice to those thinking of choosing Open Study College as their distance learning provider and also explains where she is currently at with her career and achieving her goals:

“I would definitely tell anyone who’s thinking about starting an Open Study College course to go for it! It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Thanks to them, I’m now working full-time in my chosen career, working with individuals with learning disabilities.”