Case study: Daniel's return to education for career progression

Returning to education after decades in the workforce can be daunting, but for Daniel Levitt, it was the key to unlocking a new career opportunity.

After working as an electrician for over 20 years, Daniel’s promotion to Electrical Design Engineer required him complete a Level 4 in Building Services Engineering. However, to meet the entry requirements, he first needed to gain GCSE qualifications in English, Maths, and Science.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Daniel left school nearly 30 years ago without any GCSE’s after finding his schooling experience challenging, due to disruptive students in his class and inconsistent teaching.

Daniel, who originally attended Barnsley College after leaving school to study Electrical Engineering, said: “I never really found anything that I was really good at school, or that got me interested. It wasn’t until I actually left school back in 1996 and went to College that everything really fell into place for me.”

When Daniel realised that GCSE qualifications were essential for his university application, he enrolled on courses at Barnsley College. When he came to the College for his initial skill assessment, he felt discouraged. “When doing the English and Maths assessments, I didn't feel like it was the right level for me straight away, but I have eventually got to where I needed to be.”

Finding Support at Barnsley College

Daniel returned to College, starting with Functional Skills in English and Maths and working his way up to Level 2 GCSE, as well as GCSE Biology.

He credits the College’s teaching staff for their unwavering support. “H has been absolutely amazing! So has Claire. In fact, all the tutors I've had have been brilliant. They have all been very supportive,” he shares.

Claire, his English tutor, made a significant impact by adapting her teaching methods to fit his learning style. “She's always said from day one everyone's teaching styles are different… If I've ever got stuck, she has always been there. She's very, very helpful and explains things to me in a way that I understand it.”

A Newfound Confidence

Studying at Barnsley College has also given Daniel confidence in his written communication, a vital skill for his new role. “It’s given me a lot more confidence in my emails. I understand how to use punctuation properly now,” he explains.

Daniel, who is dyslexic, received tailored support that helped him develop new strategies for tackling exams and coursework. Daniel stated: “Whereas normally I would be using coping skills, I'm not having too anymore. I have a better understanding now.”

Looking to the Future

Thanks to the skills he’s gained at College, he now feels ready for this new aspect of his career.

When asked what he would say to someone considering returning to education, Daniel’s answer is clear: “Definitely, do it! I've got no negatives whatsoever. Everyone has always been so helpful. If I've needed help, it’s always been there.”

His experience highlights the transformative power of education and the incredible support available to adult learners. “They feel more like friends than tutors, and it just creates a good environment. You never feel like you're on your own,” he reflects.

Daniel’s journey is an inspiring example of how education can change lives, proving that it’s never too late to return to learning and achieve your goals.

If you are interested in returning to education, you can discover our range of adult courses, or contact the Info Unit on info@barnsley.ac.uk or 01226 216 123.