Russell Smith
Russell Smith, 32, has successfully completed a three-year part-time Foundation Degree in Community Development. Breaking the cycle of 12 years in and out of factory work or unemployment, he has finally secured a job as a Community Development Worker with the local authority.
“After leaving school I didn’t really think about learning until I was doing some voluntary work”, says Russell, “I decided I wanted to work in the community.”
He enrolled on an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration. “I did well on the course and it made me realise that I could make things happen, rather than just accepting things as they were,” he said. “I took the plunge and enrolled on the Foundation Degree.”
Not only did Russell have to juggle three part-time jobs, but during the second year of the degree he had an accident and broke his back, resulting in three months in hospital and six months learning to walk again. With the support of his tutors he caught up and successfully completed the degree in July 2008.
Russell is now a community development worker. “I wouldn’t have the job without the degree,” he said. “And I wouldn’t be able to do it without the learning.” He has also been accepted onto an Honours degree, but is waiting for a year so he can continue in his job. “It’s a chance to change my own outcomes in life. Where I am now is a long way from the factory work. I’ve got responsibility at work [and] I’m more confident in what I’m saying.”