Toni's path to success through Functional Skills with Realise

After leaving school, Toni studied at Kirklees College and later A&R Training (now Woodspeen Training). From there, she went into hospitality, jointly managing three public houses. Life soon took a different direction when she became a mum, stepping away from paid work to focus on her family.

More recently, she's been volunteering at her daughter's school as a reading support volunteer. "I hope to become an ETA (English Teaching Assistant) in the next couple of years."

Finding Realise

Looking for the right way to move forward, Toni turned to the internet in search of affordable Functional Skills courses. That's when she came across Realise. "I wanted to start the course because I need my Level 2 in English to apply for jobs and a Level 3 Teaching course I'm hoping to start."

A change in direction

Before starting with Realise, Toni had been taking short courses online while searching for work. Originally, she was interested in a career in mental health counselling, but her ambitions shifted. "I've changed my mind and now I'm going down the teaching path."

First day nerves and supportive teaching
Like many learners, she admitted to feeling nervous when she first started. "On my first day of training, I was nervous as I don't feel comfortable speaking to people I don't know, but once I got talking to my tutor, I felt more at ease."

That support became constant throughout her course. "I've never been good when speaking to people I've never met, but they were really supportive through everything."

She went on to praise her tutor's style: "They're a one of a kind as far as tutors go. She's easy to get along with and has a unique outlook on teaching. She is very supportive and will go to great depths to make you feel comfortable when you're worried about an exam or a piece of work that has been set."

Looking ahead
The course is already beginning to open doors for her. "This course will help me not only with jobs but also with college courses I hope to attend once this course has ended." Her next steps include enrolling on a Level 3 Teaching course.

Advice for others
When asked what she'd say to anyone thinking of studying with Realise, she didn't hesitate: "I would tell them to definitely go for it as it's a fairly quick process to get enrolled and the tutors will do what they can to ensure everyone's ready for their final exams."

If Toni's story has inspired you, why not see what you can do with Functional Skills English?