The Delivery team at Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) helps people in prison find the right distance learning course to explore new interests or prepare for work.
Last year the team gave information, advice and guidance over 3,500 times to current and potential learners. It’s time to meet them and discover which PET course they would study and why!
Clare, Head of Service Delivery: “Education is what we do at PET and I’m thrilled that my team have such varied interests, skills and experiences. In 2020 I studied a Digital Project Management course by distance learning, similar to PET’s management courses. I was able to fit it in around my busy work and homelife – perfect.”
Suzan, Grants Manager: “Some years ago I completed a distance learning course and I was in state of shock when a heavy box containing the course materials arrived at my door. Opening the box, I began to fully appreciate the challenge that I was taking on and I felt very alone. Luckily, the course came with tutor support and there I found my lifeline.
Distance learning allows people to continue their passions without needing access to a classroom.
“Study via distance learning is not easy and should not be taken lightly, but with the right preparation before starting the journey and seeking help when it is needed, you can find it very enjoyable and rewarding. Distance learning also allows people to continue their passions without needing access to a classroom.”
MA, Grants Administrator: “As a lover of all things Korean, I would choose to study the Korean language course. When studying by distance learning, it can be difficult to find the time and meet assignment deadlines. PET’s language courses are studied at your own pace by going through the course materials, without assignments to complete.”
Siobhan, Grants Administrator: “I would choose to study the Deaf Awareness and Sign Language course to help me understand the problems that deaf people might encounter. Distance learning is my preferred choice of study as I can learn at my own pace and plan my study time around what works best for me.”
John, Advice Manager: “As someone who has sold vinyl records on eBay, I would like to study E-Commerce – a brilliant insight into how to make a living out of selling things online. My favourite learning experience was GCSE History. Our teacher brought it to life so I actually wanted to read about it afterwards.”
Having my own lived experience of the justice system I am all too familiar of how much it affects people’s mental health.
Rebecca, Engagement and Development Manager: “Together with a drive for developing systems and processes, I have a passion for engaging with people who find themselves in the justice system. Having my own lived experience of this I am all too familiar of how much it affects people’s mental health. I would study Mental Health Awareness (RQF), a complex topic, however distance learning allows you to take assignments one at a time when you’re ready.”
Anton, Data and Systems Officer: “Some time ago I studied accountancy: one year at college and three years of distance learning. For me distance learning was best: study time was more productive, and it taught me self-discipline. To support my role, PET’s Webmaster HTML and CSS courses are top on my must-study list.”
I’m passionate about learning new skills, and the more I learn, the more I see that mathematical reasoning is important for learning almost anything
Iva, Engagement and Development Officer: “I would like to study Nutrition and Health (RQF). It is often difficult to put principles of healthy eating into practice. Understanding nutrition and being able to plan a healthy diet would help me improve.
“I have previous experience with distance learning so I am aware that I would need to do quite a lot of reading and thinking before I understand relevant concepts and theories. Once I understand, I would then be able to write assignments. Completing a course can be quite time-consuming so I make sure that I have a realistic timetable in place so I don’t miss deadlines.”
Pwyll ap Stifin, Digital Officer: “I’m passionate about learning new skills, and the more I learn, the more I see that mathematical reasoning is important for learning almost anything – from coding to woodwork to playing a musical instrument. I’ve always regretted not getting more formal qualifications in maths, so I would study A level Mathematics.”
Want to support the work of our brilliant Delivery team? You can donate to PET here.