Darren Bailey
Darren Bailey, age 32, had a difficult past and found it hard to get stability in his life until he decided to learn some basic skills. Now, two years later, he has gained 15 qualifications and has found a job that he enjoys as an IT Network Officer at Lancaster and Morecambe College.
Darren got bored easily at school, and was expelled at 16 with no qualifications; he had no aspirations and found it difficult to keep a job. But when Darren began learning through an entry-level IT course he found out he had a talent for it. “I discovered a real interest in IT and this sparked a passion for wanting to learn more about it,” he said.
He went on to complete a variety of IT courses where he developed his skills in PC hardware repair and maintenance, as well as improving his basic literacy and numeracy. “Learning has made a huge difference to my life as I was able to apply for a job that I really enjoy,” he says. “I now have a regular income, and the qualifications and the job mean that I have much more self confidence and self-esteem.”
Sue Keenan, Darren’s colleague, says, “Darren had little expectation of learning and so the fact that he enjoyed IT so much was a real surprise to him. It was challenging for Darren, but learning has made an incredible difference to his life and this has had a huge impact on those around him.”
“To me learning is the means to major life changes; I am still keen to learn and will continue to take up all opportunities open to me.”