Carpe Diem for local girl Dawn

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Local girl, Dawn Guiver has shown that age and learning disabilities are no barrier when it comes to education, having enrolled at Tower Hamlets College to study Hairdressing. Dawn, 35, lives in Bow and is currently enrolled on the VRQ (formerly NVQ) Level 2 Hairdressing course, having already successfully completed Level 1 at College.

“I worked as a qualified support worker with the elderly for ten years before I left to have my daughter. I was a stay at home mum when she was young but now she has started school I feel I should seize the moment and learn something new while I have the chance.” 

Dawn found out about the course from a friend who had studied at the College and this personal recommendation was enough to persuade her to return to education.

“I suppose there is a bit of a stigma connected to coming back into education as an adult but I have loved every minute of it and now I want to go on and study a Level 3 Beauty Therapy course here. I would like to get some work experience in the industry and eventually have my own salon. In the long run, I see myself combining daytime hairdressing with evening support work a few times a week.”

Another issue for Dawn when contemplating a return to education was her severe dyslexia which she felt could hinder her progress.

“I was really worried about it but the learning support team have been great with me. I am using some computer software which uses this cutting edge speech recognition system to help me with my writing. Although I still prefer the practical side of the course, the tutors have all been really patient and helpful with the theoretical element. I am glad I decided to take the qualification as it opens up a lot of opportunities for me in the future.”

THC have a brand new range of introductory courses designed to fit around your busy lives, find out more about our Pathways to Work.  Contact our Advice Team advice@tower.ac.uk