Paul Parker
When Paul Parker, a Silicone Mouldings Engineer, injured his back he was signed off work for a few months. To aid his recovery, Paul volunteered at his daughter’s Primary School, which he found so rewarding that he enrolled on a childcare course, became a volunteer Teaching Assistant, and left his job.
However, over the next few years, Paul’s back needed further treatment and surgery. He even had to use a wheelchair as he couldn’t walk further than the end of his drive.
Despite this, Paul has successfully completed his NVQ Level 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development (CCLD); he also took the Technical Certificate, and for his three assignments and exams he gained distinctions. Paul is currently taking his NVQ Level 3 in CCLD, which will help him progress to Higher Education. He is now working at Parcroft Pre-school in Yeovil as a Key Worker and is a much needed and much-appreciated male role model.
Paul said, “Through a strange twist of fate I found myself retraining for a job that I should have been doing years ago. Being told I have degenerative disc disease was not a curse… but a blessing, an opportunity to make something of myself.”
“I can’t describe the feeling I get from being part of the children’s lives, helping them to prepare for school and… life. Helping them to develop self-esteem, resilience and confidence in everything they do… giving them the best start in life. Being part of that is overwhelming, an honour and a privilege.”
“Learning to me means hope, a future, a purpose. I was very worried about what the future held for me and my family. My options seemed limited because of my condition. Going back to learning… has given me the opportunity to retrain for a job I love. I have achieved beyond my expectations.”
