Tameside College

Role model Matthew starts career as teaching assistant

Mon, 28 November 2016

Matthew Marsden, from Stalybridge, is starting his dream job with a Tameside school after completing a teaching assistants course at Tameside College.

Matthew, who will be supporting year 7 pupils at Copley Academy in their Learning Support Unit, proved to be an ambassador for the teaching assistants course at Tameside College as the only male on the course.

Matthew, said: “It took a lot of courage for me to enrol on the teaching assistant course at Tameside College. It was going to be a big change to my life going from being a delivery driver to a teaching assistant but it was something I had been thinking of doing for a few years after volunteering at my children's primary school. The first day on the course was a very daunting morning. Finding out I was the only male on the course with another fifteen or so women was a bit of a surprise and also a bit sad that not more males wanted to get in to the teaching profession. Hayley the class teacher was brilliant at getting everyone to talk and interact with one another and by the end of the course we were a group of really good friends. Hayley was very inspirational and was very good at getting people out of their comfort zone to help build their confidence. That has been a great help with getting myself out there and finding a job.”

Hayley Barclay, Matthew’s teacher, commented: “I am always proud of our teaching assistant students, but I am extremely proud of Matthew’s progression into employment. We aim to support every learner in gaining full time employment upon completing the course but Matthew’s success is something to really shout about as he is a great role model for other men thinking about the profession.”