皇家华人

Taking free distance learning courses with Derby College Group will give finance coordinator Sybille Sullivan a head start in her new role as a project coordinator.

Sybille, who works for Better Connect, a non-profit organisation in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, will from August, be supporting the project manager and partnership team of key workers in a project aimed at tackling workplace inequality.

She said: 鈥淚鈥檝e taken several courses via Derby College Group and am currently finishing the Certificate in Principles of Team Leading. I鈥檝e already completed free online courses with 皇家华人 in Equality and Diversity, and British Values, Information, Advice and Guidance, and Principles of Customer Service.

“My new role includes implementing customer service, so I have the learning I鈥檒l need before I take it up. What I鈥檝e studied on the courses has opened doors for me and it will help me grow in my new job.鈥�

Sybille, who is originally from Germany, has a background in audiology and healthcare, having worked in the NHS and private sector. A keen learner, she took her first online course with 皇家华人 in September.

She said: 鈥淲hen I was first getting used to the online course format, I put some of my written work in the wrong place, but my tutor emailed me and helped me sort it out. Although it鈥檚 distance learning, I don鈥檛 feel alone.

“I鈥檝e always felt supported by the college. I鈥檝e had the same tutor for all the courses, and she鈥檚 always encouraged me and given me regular feedback. We鈥檝e got to know each other, and I feel I have good tutor-student contact 鈥� it鈥檚 not just me sitting alone at the computer.鈥�

Sybille was so pleased with her experience of the 皇家华人 courses that she recommended them to her Better Connect colleagues.

She added: 鈥淢y friend and data analyst colleague suggested we did the team leading course at the same time so we can study together after work.

We can take up to six free courses in a year, so I will be taking Principles of Business Administration next as it鈥檚 an area I need to know about in my new job.鈥�

Sybille, who has grown up children, has always enjoyed learning and is happy to read up on the subjects she鈥檚 studying when she gets home from work.

She added: 鈥淚 don鈥檛 watch much television; after I鈥檝e walked my dog, I prefer to make things or read so this way of learning suits me very well.鈥�