Made at HRC Case Studies

My name is Mel and currently here at HRC I teach Sport & Exercise Science, Level 2 Gym, Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner) and Level 3 Diploma in Mat Pilates.

My Industry

I have had a lot of experience in the industry over the years. Prior to working at HRC, I was delivering classes; delivering fitness qualifications and studying my assessor qualification. I currently work for the Awarding Bodies directly, whilst running my own studio and owning a fitness-training academy, delivering a variety of industry related qualifications.

Using Experience to Teach

My experience in the industry has given me the ability to advise what the best practice is for the learners and how they can develop their career. It has given me an insight of what is out there for them, allowing me to stay up to date with current trends and be aware of the changing syllabus.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment is simply seeing my students succeed in their chosen career path.

My Advice

Work hard. Enjoy it. Keep learning and keep your CPD up to date.

Read more about our Sports courses here.

Meet Mel at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Shelley and here at HRC I teach Functional Skills and GCSE English.

My Industry

I have an A-Level and degree in English Literature. Previously, I have also worked in the Construction Industry writing proposals to secure multi-million-pound contracts.

Using Experience to Teach

I would say one of my biggest strengths is my communication skills as this has been easily transferred into a classroom setting. After years of experience working in other industries and with so many people, it has allowed me to effectively communicate with all of my students, alongside developing my patience and customer care.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moments are seeing my students complete their Functional Skills qualification or their GCSE, especially when this may have been an area they lacked confidence in at school.

My Advice

My advice is to always show a commitment and resilience towards working towards your core GCSE's, maths and English qualifications as this will improve your opportunities for employment. You never know where life is going to take you and to have transferrable core skills is invaluable!

Read more about our Functional Skills courses here.

Meet Shelley at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Liliana and I have been teaching at HRC for over 20 years. Currently, the areas I teach and specialise in are the Creative Enterprise Foundation Degree courses, including, Fine Art, Visual Merchandising, Graphic Design and Three-Dimensional Design. Alongside these areas, I also teach HND Games Design.  

My Industry

Prior to teaching at HRC, I worked as an Interior designer for a famous Italian company in Milan, designing and curating kitchen showrooms. I found working within this industry has not only provided me with excellent attention to detail but also enabled me to obtain great communication skills. In Milan, I frequently met with manufacturers to visit showrooms and hotels and regularly dealt with clients to design CAD work for commercials.

Using Experience to Teach

My industry experience has taught me how to teach and deliver effective training sessions for my students. I am able to highlight what will be expected of them in the real world, in regards to composing initial ideas, pitching designs, working to briefs, gaining feedback and working collaboratively within a team.

I have been working with and around design all my life. Having that industry experience has really enriched both my knowledge and passion for teaching the next generation of designers in an exciting and creative fast-paced career.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moments happen every single day: seeing my students constantly improve and get better is lovely to see.

My Advice

My advice to you is to never give up, work hard, play hard and you will succeed.

One Last Thing

Never say you can’t do it until you try it. Everyone can do it, just believe in yourself!

Read more about our Creative Enterprise courses here.

Meet Liliana at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Ryan and I coach the Tottenham Hotspur Football Development and Education Programme in partnership with HRC.

My Industry

I have always been a full-time Academy coach, even prior to my time working with HRC. I have been working in youth player development for over a decade now, which really gives me that knowledge and understanding of delivering high standard coaching sessions that drive and push my students to succeed in the industry.

Using Experience to Teach

Working with players of all ages and abilities has helped me develop a greater understanding of how to analyse and better deliver coaching sessions. I use this experience to tailor my sessions to the needs of the students and their capabilities.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment is seeing my former students progress on to start their own coaching journeys and successfully pursue their career in the industry.

My Advice

My advice to you is to work hard, listen to our guidance, learn as much as you can and lastly, enjoy the game!

Read more about our Sport courses here.

Meet our Sport tutors at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Chris and here at HRC I teach Level 1 Diploma in Music, Media and Production Arts, Levels 2 and 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production, Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production, HND Music and Level 1 Functional Skills in English.

Prior to teaching at HRC, I was a Course Team Leader at another college on a specialist provision for high needs learners called 'Springboard'

My Industry

I have a lot of experience in performing original and cover material at different venues and events across Hertfordshire using rhythm guitar, lead vocals and sound engineering.

I regularly organise, promote and host open mic and showcase events and currently play in three bands. I also have experience in the recording and production of my own and fellow musician’s original material.

Using Experience to Teach

Using my industry experience allows me to give practical advice in different areas of production and performance, providing realistic guidance on how to get into the industry and gain confidence and experience in these areas. I am able to assist with essential skills such as stage presence, organisation and technical setup to improve live and produced sound. By demonstrating, teaching and sharing these concepts, it allows me to support my students and develop their skills to a higher standard.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment is seeing my students excel in their own Final Major Project work, taking ownership of this and continuing to progress through to higher levels and develop their creative skills, attitudes and work ethic.

My Advice

Keep going and keep trying! Be yourself and be true to your music, try to reflect upon your progress, successes and setbacks. Consider what you can do to improve and develop your skills further and help you get better. My advice is to take risks in your creative approaches and you will find something new, exciting and challenging that will propel you beyond your comfort zone.

Read more about our Music courses here.

Meet Chris at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Tammie and I have taught Beauty Therapy at HRC for 4 years. Prior to my time here at the college, I taught at London College of Beauty Therapy.

My Industry

I qualified as a beauty therapist in 2008 and have been working in the beauty industry ever since. I have experience in several roles including, a receptionist, beauty therapist, skin analyst, and salon manager within numerous salons, spas and skin clinics across London.

I have performed skin and body care treatments across levels 2 and 3, as well as a variety of specialist treatments. In addition, I have had the opportunity to work with a range of luxury and well established cosmetic brands and products.

Using Experience to Teach

My knowledge within the industry gives me confidence with delivery and assessment across all units. To help stretch, challenge and implement various strategies and methods that suit different learning styles and promote British Values.

My own experiences have helped me to prepare students for a range of scenarios relevant to each of the treatments and how to manage them when they present themselves in industry. To do this, I have carried out several enrichment activities which introduce students to new and relative treatments, demonstrating how to modify and adapt the treatments to suit different clients needs and expectations.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moments are when a student says thank you, knowing that I have helped a learner take one step closer to their future career goals.

My Advice

My advice would be that is always important to learn and improve as the beauty industry continuously changes and evolves. You must never become complacent as there is always something new to learn. Be passionate, remain current, challenge yourself to be better and always strive for client satisfaction.

One Last Thing

I strive to provide an energetic, vibrant and effective learning journey for all of my students to ensure they enjoy their destination to success! I aim to inspire and instill the same passion that I have for the industry in each of them.

Read more about our Beauty Therapy courses here.

Meet Tammie at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Katy and I teach Level 2 and 3 in UAL Diploma in Performing and Production Arts along with Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma and HND Levels 4 and 5 in Performing and Production Arts. Before coming to HRC, I taught and managed Performing Arts courses at a college based in North Finchley for 12 years.

My Industry

Prior to my career in teaching, I attended a private conservatoire for contemporary dance to obtain my degree in dance theatre. During my time there, my peers and I set up our own dance company where we performed regularly, called ‘Resident Dance Company’ for the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre in Somerset.

One of the highlights of my career was when we were invited to perform at an international art festival in Portugal. We were also fortunate enough to take part in the annual 'Resolution' dance festival in London at ‘The Place’.

Using Experience to Teach

My experience in this industry has allowed me to inspire students and to set a professional standard and work ethic. During my 20 years of professional dancing and teaching, I have gathered a vast amount of contacts within the industry that I use to help inspire the learners and provide them with great networking opportunities.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment at HRC has been watching all of the shows that my learners have done. It’s an amazing feeling when I see it all come together at the end, to see them all do their best and to see the reactions from the audience. It’s great knowing that all the hard work put in during rehearsal time has been worth it.

My Advice

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" This quote is very relevant and I say it often to learners. Within the performing arts industry, It is not always about the most talented performers, but people who are willing to work hard for their passion.

One Last Thing

Never give up on a dream, but don't expect it to fall on your lap. You have to want it and be driven to achieve that dream!

Read more about our Performing Arts courses here.

Meet Katy at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Henry Simmons and I teach Level 2 & 3 UAL Creative Media Production and HND BTEC Media at HRC.

My Industry

Before coming to HRC, I was a Freelance Director of Photography and Camera Operator. My experiences include a range of different projects including short films, feature films, music videos & documentaries. Having been trained as a cinematographer, and with a degree in Cinematography, I am able to deliver industry standard practical teaching that sets our learners apart from others.

Using Experience to Teach

My industry experience allows me to use real-life case studies to bring the Film and TV world to life within the classroom. My practical experience allows me to deliver industry standard practical workshops that will enable students to progress onto production jobs within the industry and develop as creative professionals.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment while teaching at HRC was during the screening of the final projects of the first group I taught. They had made a massive amount of progress to create some excellent work, which enabled them to progress to their chosen destinations.

My Advice

My advice to students who would like to be successful in this industry is to be socially aware of people and their needs. The best people I have worked with are the people that understand everyone's roles and the demands of said roles to adapt themselves to be the best team player they can be.

Read more about our Creative Media courses here.

Meet Henry at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Adel and am the Programme Manager for the UAL Diploma and Extended Diploma Fashion and Textiles course. I also teach on the Foundation Diploma Art & Design course and the Creative Enterprise Foundation Degree.

My Industry

Before coming to HRC, I worked for a company as a designer and manufacturer of theatrical costumes for West End shows and overseas productions. I worked on costumes for a variety of shows including Cats, Les Miserables, Rent, Notre Dame de Paris and The Lion King.

Throughout my career, I have also worked with individual clients designing and producing woven wear, along with knitted and embroidered textile design production and trend-led knitwear design and sample production for the high street.

Using Experience to Teach

Having knowledge of various production techniques using a variety of materials helps me to teach students about the different ways of working within the industry and using appropriate machinery for production methods. Working for myself as a freelance designer helps when advising students on how they might consider promoting and selling their own work and costing it. Working with fashion forecast trends allows students to be aware of the specific fashion prediction themes they will come across when working in the industry and how they would use this information in their own design and production of garments.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment is when my students took part in St Albans Fashion week and accompanied their own designs on the runway in front of a huge audience of industry professionals and the general public.

My Advice

Fashion is an exciting area of study if you are prepared to work hard exploring your own style and the work of established practitioners, which will help you to build your creative ideas. Be resilient, committed and dedicated. It also helps to be aware of the art and design world as many of these disciplines influence fashion.

Read more about our Art & Design courses here.

Meet Adel at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

I’m Tracey and I am responsible for teaching the Level 2 Hairdressing and Barbering and the Level 3 Hair and Media-Make Up.

My Industry

I began my career at HRC as a work placement coordinator in the Hair and Beauty department, working and studying until I secured a full-time role. Before coming to the college I was the Company Secretary of a sports memorabilia e-commerce business.

Using Experience to Teach

I began building my experience in Hairdressing by going into an apprenticeship straight after finishing school. I committed to working in a salon for the 6 weeks of my summer holiday for free, and then got taken on permanently and worked for them for 9 years. I left to set up my own freelance business.

Having experience in the industry helps you teach as you are always updating your own skills, which means you can pass these on to your students. I still run my freelance business alongside my full-time teaching role, which means I can incorporate up-to-date techniques in my lessons.

My Proudest Moment

Seeing my students achieve their goals and gain qualifications makes me so proud! I am also really pleased to have developed the Saturday Hairdressing classes HRC runs, and to have grown the number of students taking on the Barbering courses.

My Advice

Never give up! Get involved in every opportunity to expand your knowledge and build your competence and confidence. Always go the extra mile and remember you need to stand out from the crowd to get your name known. In an ever-changing world, you never stop learning – it’s so important to keep up-to-date.

One Last Thing

The students make my teaching journey enjoyable from induction at the very beginning to achievement right at the end. There are ups and downs but I help them believe in themselves and support them during their own journey.

Learning is a journey, not a race.

Read more about our Hairdressing and Barbering courses here.

Meet Tracey at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Richard and I teach HRC’s English GCSE re-sit classes. Before coming to HRC, I was Head of English at a North London comprehensive school.

My Industry

After completing my degree, in the past 9 years I have successfully completed my NQT (Newly Qualified Teachers) qualification, became the head of key stage 4 literacy and lead an English Department for 3 years as a Literacy Co-ordinator and Deputy Head of English.

Using Experience to Teach

To become an effective teacher, I think you need to have three essential ingredients: patience, preparedness, and passion.

1.      Patience - I particularly enjoy teaching those who find the subject difficult; patience is key to helping them overcome obstacles allowing them to achieve.

2.      Preparedness - this is essential, both in terms of knowing what is going to happen in the lesson, but also in how a whole programme of study fits together and delivers the essential skills for success in the summer.

3.      Passion - this is arguably the most important of all: the teacher must be enthusiastic about their subject so that students can be enthused and motivated.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment at HRC so far is witnessing the individual successes of students I taught at the GCSE English results in the summer of 2018.

Read more about our GCSE, English & Maths courses here.

Meet Richard at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is David and I teach HRC’s Electrical Installation courses. Before coming to HRC I was the Subject Lead in Construction at Epping Forest College, also teaching Electrical Installation.

My Industry

I started off as an NHS apprentice in Cheshire so my initial electrical experience is industrial work, ranging from something as simple as fitting a plug to rewiring a whole hospital. I also have experience of panel building and working within the chemical industry too.

Since losing my arm I have worked for myself part-time, carrying out mostly domestic and some commercial installation work.

In 2007, before moving to the South East of England, I gained NICEIC Electrical Contractors status, again carrying out domestic and some commercial installations.

Using Experience to Teach

It helps if you are able to give insight into what you are actually teaching. I find that if you can relate the subject to actual experience it can really make a difference, especially if it’s a subject that’s hard to grasp, or if a student has never covered the topic before.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment would just be the students I teach as they are really great to work with.

My Advice

Turn up, take part, bring the right equipment and try to enjoy your lessons. From experience, the students who do this are the ones who are the most successful! J

Read more about our Electrical Installation courses here.

Meet David at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Darren and here at HRC I currently teach Levels 1 and 2 Travel and Tourism.

Alongside my teaching commitments, I also fly part-time as long haul cabin crew for a major UK airline. My typical working week involves being in the classroom for a few days, followed by a few days in a far-flung destination such as the Caribbean, India, the Far East or the USA.

My Industry

Whilst taking a year out from university where I was studying to be a science teacher, I saw a cabin crew position advertised on a six-month contract and thought that would be a good way to spend the time before going back to my studies. To date, my gap year has lasted around 15 years and I am still flying. Throughout my time in the industry, I have worked for some of the biggest airlines in the UK flying a mixture of short and long-haul routes from low cost all the way to first class. I began my flying career with the World's Favourite Airline and I currently work for an airline related to Sir Richard Branson.

I have worked in a variety of roles in aviation, ranging from junior cabin crew to my current post as an onboard manager where I lead a team of up to 15-cabin crew on a Boeing 747 with over 400 passengers. I started teaching around 4 years ago as a cabin crew lecturer at a college in Glasgow. Since then, I have achieved a specialist teaching qualification and have reduced my time spent in the air so that I can spend more time in the classroom. I may spend my head in the clouds most of the time but I love having a great mix of working in the air and on the ground.

Using Experience to Teach

As well as talking the talk, I also walk the walk! This means that I am able to bring knowledge straight from industry to the classroom. I teach industry practices that empowers my learners to leave HRC ready for the world of work having received a first-class education from an established aviation professional.

My Proudest Moment

It is always a proud moment at the end of term when I get to congratulate my learners on realising their dream and achieving a qualification as a result of their hard work and dedication to their studies.

My Advice

Be passionate. Find your wings, pack your suitcase and prepare for the journey ahead.

Read more about our Travel & Tourism courses here.

Meet Darren at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

I’m Richard and I am the Curriculum Area Manager for Electrical Installation. I am responsible for teaching Levels 1, 2 and 3 Electrical Installation on HRC’s full-time study programmes, as well as teaching Level 3 on the Electrical Apprenticeship. Before joining HRC I worked at Epping Forest College and Harlow College.

My Industry

Before moving into teaching I spent 11 years in the Electrical Installation industry working for London Electricity and Thames Water, which means I have experience doing both domestic and commercial work.

Using Experience to Teach

Working in the industry means I understand the full scope of knowledge that an electrician needs to work in this sector. Also, my skills allow me to practically demonstrate to my students the level that is required of them to be successful.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment so far has been working with a small group of apprentices to ensure that all of them passed their exams first time around.

My Advice

If you want to be successful in the electrical industry, think about this: the sector is entering a new phase with the introduction of electric cars. There will be requirements for charging station infrastructure both at people’s houses and at public locations. If you can learn about these new technologies, you will be able to bridge the gap in the demand for this type of work. Once you’ve learned this, you will need to put in the time to achieve the highest rewards.

Read more about our Electrical Installation courses here.

Meet Richard at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Stuart and I teach HRC’s Level 3 Events Management course and the Events Management Higher National Diploma.

My Industry

I have a significant amount of experience in the Hospitality and Events industry. I managed my first restaurant at 20 years old and went on to spend 18 years running a variety of restaurants, public houses and a hotel. On top of this I organised a wide range of events within these businesses including new openings and launches, which involved lots of planning and managing large budgets. I also owned a small independent coffee shop for some time, alongside managing HRC’s The Atrium restaurant for five years.

One of my career highlights was overseeing the opening of the Miller and Carter restaurant in Brookmans Park. The site was the flagship restaurant and celebrities including Simon Cowell, Jermaine Defoe and Niall Horan have been regulars.

Using Experience to Teach

Working in Hospitality is extremely hands on, so I have a huge amount of experience to draw upon. I also have a large network of colleagues still in the industry which helps to keep my knowledge current as the industry changes quickly and I regularly take part in industry-related activities. The training side of the industry has always been enjoyable, so teaching was a logical step for my next challenge.

My Proudest Moment

 I Launched a partnership in agreement with a local employer owning over 130 public houses, restaurants and bars to provide work placements for students.

My Advice

Give what you want to do some real thought – there are so many roles within this industry. Whatever role you take on, you need to be passionate, outgoing, hardworking, reliable, flexible and able to work under pressure. The skills you will develop are transferable to many other industries, so you can switch careers in the future, and there are often lots of fast-track opportunities to managerial levels.

One Last Thing

I love teaching this course. We have built lots of practical activities and enrichment opportunities into the theory sessions so the course mirrors working in the industry. Students get to plan and host their own events including fashion shows, restaurant themed evenings and silent discos!

Read more about our Event Management courses here.

Meet Stuart at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

I I

I’m Angela and I teach Business full-time study programmes. This includes the Level 2 BTEC Business Technical Certificate in Enterprise, the Level 3 BTEC National Diploma and the Level 3 City & Guilds Business.

My Industry

Before teaching I worked as the Creative Studio Manager for Debenhams. I was the first point of call at the design studio which was responsible for designing all visual materials required for branding and promotion. This included packaging, corporate merchandise, window displays, visual merchandising, seasonal displays and more. It all added up to 900 jobs per year!

Using Experience to Teach

Working in my role at Debenhams gave me the knowledge of how to run a department within a large business, covering areas such as marketing, project management of events and visual merchandising.

My Proudest Moment

My proudest moment so far has been raising £1500 for Teens Unite with my learners. Teens Unite is a local charity for teenagers with cancer and the money raised paid for a number of young people with cancer to spend quality time with their family. This included holidays and special days out; things which they might not have been able to afford. For my learners, this was an important piece of work which involved project and budget management, and working first hand with the charity. This experience is crucial when applying for universities and job roles.

My Advice

My advice is never to give up on your dream; employers love enthusiasm. Whilst working at Debenhams I would always look out for prospective students to hire who showed confidence and passion. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to fulfil your dreams, as long as you keep at it.

One Last Thing

My job is my passion. There is nothing more fulfilling than transferring important knowledge to students, and already I have witnessed amazing results whether it be learners graduating from university or successfully landing a role within their chosen career. It is so satisfying to complete references for my students’ job applications! I can honestly say I love my job.

Read more about our Business courses here.

Meet Angela at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.

My name is Farzana and I am responsible for teaching Levels 2-5 in Business. This includes the BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Business Enterprise, the BTEC Level 3 Foundation & Extended Diploma in Business and the Levels 4 and 5 Foundation Degree in Business Management in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire.

Alongside lecturing, I am also the lead Internal Verifier responsible for internal quality assurance of learners’ work. More recently my name has been added to the list of BTEC Standards Verified for assessing BTEC’s brand new Business qualifications.

My Industry

Before HRC I worked as a lecturer in Business Management at Stockton Riverside College and taught various modules including Financial Accounting, Economic and Marketing Intelligence. I also worked as a trainee teacher in a community learning centre and welfare organisations.

Using Experience to Teach

I have over 20 years of experience in education which means I have an excellent ability to monitor learners’ progress and give constructive feedback. I am a proficient user of IT and enjoy using it for virtual teaching and assessment. I believe in providing exciting and innovative ways of learning that take students out of their comfort zone, using a variety of assessment methods for students to develop their professional and personal skills.

I have a strong education background, including a Masters degree in Business Management, a Masters degree in Economics, an undergraduate degree in Accountancy and a PGCE. All of this gives me the confidence to teach Business at a further and higher education level.

My Proudest Moment

I am very proud of the comprehensive workbook I created for my Level 3 Finance students last summer. All tasks and questions in the book help my students learn and revise topics in different ways. The book is available to HRC students only – no other college or schools across the UK has anything similar to help pass the exam!

My Advice

I always tell my students to follow three golden rules if they want to be successful:

1.      Choose the career you enjoy

2.      Stay focused and consistent

3.      Reflect back after every milestone

Read more about our Business courses here.

Meet Farzana at our Open Events. Book your ticket here.