Returning to education as an adult can feel like a big step, but for many learners it opens the door to new skills, confidence and career possibilities.
Our Level 3 Massage Therapy course gives students the chance to upskill or start developing an understanding of the body, all in a supportive and welcoming environment.
We spoke to Joanne, Max and Samantha, who are all studying Level 3 Massage Therapy, about what motivated them to join, what they enjoy most about the course, and how it’s helping them work towards their future goals.
Joanne, Level 3 Massage Therapy
Why did you study Level 3 Massage?
“I’ve always had an interest in alternative therapies and how they might be able to benefit people naturally.
“When I learnt about this course, I thought it would be interesting and that I would give it a try.”
What do you enjoy most about the course?
“I like the practical side of the course. It’s nice to get good feedback when you give a massage.
“I’ve also met some really great people and everyone’s really welcoming. It’s a real mix of people, and I now look forward to coming into College which wasn’t the case when I was at school.”
Why would you recommend studying an adult course at College?
“It’s been a long time since I was in education. I wasn’t sure how I’d get on with assignments, but I’ve got stuck into it.
“The College has a really good setup and there’s lots of support in place. You can do anything here that you put your mind to.”
What would you say to an adult who is thinking about studying again?
“I think it’s really rewarding to step out of your comfort zone, and you might surprise yourself if you just go for it.”
What will you do once you finish this course?
“I would like to work for myself. I’ve got two children, so it will work around them. I’m considering looking into further courses too.”
Max, Level 3 Massage Therapy
Why did you study Level 3 Massage?
“Before this course I was doing a 10-week massage course, and I really enjoyed that, so I decided to take it up further, go back into an educational environment and give this a shot. I’m really enjoying it so far.”
What do you enjoy most about the course?
“The thing I enjoy is that I can meet new people and build up a skill in an area that I really wanted to focus on.
“I also really like the College environment. I never went to College myself when I was younger. I did A Levels after school, and I feel like the College environment is really supportive.
“There’s always support when you need it and there’s always people you can reach out to.
“The College also hosts a lot of activities outside lessons as well so there’s always something to do.
Why would you recommend studying an adult course at College?
“I feel like for me it was something that could break up the monotony of my job that I was doing previously.
“If you feel like you’re trapped in life and you want to build up a new skillset an adult course is the way forward.
“You could always start with a new job, but I feel like with this you can find something that you enjoy doing first. You can explore it and you can build up something great.”
What would you say to an adult who is thinking about studying again?
“I was terribly anxious to get back into education but if I can do it so can you.
“It’s been much better than I expected to be honest. College is something that I’d highly recommend doing.
“I feel like there’s always a way forward here. There’s always going to be a support system if you’re very unsure but it’s so worth it.”
What will you do once you finish this course?
“I ideally want to go into Massage, so I’d want to build up some experience in the field and run my own business doing this because I’m really liking it.”
Samantha, Level 3 Massage Therapy
Why did you study Level 3 Massage?
“I am a qualified hairdresser, and I wanted to add something else to my services. I was looking online and I saw the Massage Therapy course.
“When I shampoo someone’s hair, they always say to me how good the head massage is and I thought I’d be quite good at it.
“When I saw that the course was only 10 hours a week and that at the end you’ve got another qualification, I applied and now here I am.”
What do you enjoy most about the course?
“I like doing the practical side of things and I’ve met some lovely people on my course. Sara-Lee is a really good lecturer as well and I’ve learned a lot from her.
“It’s also been good to learn about all about anatomy and the body as well.”
Why would you recommend studying an adult course at College?
“I just think it’s good to use your brain, if you don’t use it, you’re going to lose it, and I think it really does make you feel good. It lifts your spirits up going back to education and I just found it quite exciting actually.
“There’s a really nice atmosphere here, it’s not too big either, which is nice. Everyone’s very friendly and there’s a good vibe all around.”
What would you say to an adult who is thinking about studying again?
“I’ve been saying to my friends that I highly recommend going back to learning because you can get so much out of it.
“I think it’s better than I expected because I’m doing something that I want to do, rather than when I was at school and I felt like I had to juggle subjects I enjoyed with things I didn’t.
“I don’t feel like I’m on my own either as there’s plenty of help. We have access to Microsoft Teams during our studies. We’ve only got to message Sara if we have any questions and she’s there to help you.”
What will you do once you finish this course?
“As I’m a mobile hairdresser, I could offer new packages to my services.
“For example, if someone wants an Indian head massage, I can do them a shampoo and a blow-dry afterwards. Sometimes after an Indian head massage, you’re left with oily hair after, so I can combine the two.
“A lot of my family like having massages as well so I can offer my services to them whenever they need.”
Thank you to Joanne, Max and Samantha for sharing their experiences on the Level 3 Massage Therapy course and giving an insight into what adult learning at College is really like.
If you’re considering a return to education or want to build new skills in a supportive environment, you can start on one of our many adult courses. Explore your options and apply today to take the next step towards your future.
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