Furthering her career

ARTICLES

In its first year, the Further Forces programme has helped people from all roles within the Armed Forces to find new careers as teachers of post-16 students. Hannah Payne, currently undertaking a work placement as a lecturer at Hartpury College, is just one of them …

Hello Hannah! Please tell us about your role in the Services

I served as a Combat Medical Technician in the Army. During this time I developed the skills necessary to administer emergency first aid on the battlefield and also completed my Advanced Ambulance Practitioner course. As a medical technician, I was highly trained in human anatomy, physiology, health and well-being. The skills and knowledge gained in this role, coupled with my degree in sports science meant that I was well placed to embark upon a career in further education teaching and training.

I was pleased to hear that on-the-job training would be provided and I would incur no cost as a Service leaver

Why the Further Forces programme?

I had already gained experience of working with people aged 16+ while studying for my degree and when working for the MoD, so I knew that the teaching profession was right for me. I heard about the Further Forces programme while researching different career pathways online. The programme offered an extensive training package and significant support in securing employment in the further education sector. I was also pleased to hear that on-the-job training would be provided and that I would incur no cost as a Service leaver.

Has the programme been of benefit to you so far?

When I first signed up, I enrolled on the foundational training programme to help me move from my military career into civilian teaching. This was a distance learning programme consisting of six topics, which I managed to complete relatively quickly. I was then eligible to enrol straight on to the PGCE programme, which is a nationally recognised teaching qualification. So far, I have learned about the practical skills necessary to ‘hit the ground running’ as a member of staff in a college. The team helped me to secure my work placement at Hartpury, where I have been working alongside existing sports studies lecturers to further enhance my application for full-time roles.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I am focused on becoming an outstanding sports science teacher by inspiring future generations of students to develop their knowledge, skills and expertise in various health- and science-related disciplines. I feel passionate about helping people to achieve their aspirations in life, and envisage supporting the college to further enhance its extra-curricular offer with opportunities for international travel and charity fundraising.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about Further Forces, but with no commitment, you can call either the Northern or Southern Hub, and we will make sure you are talking to the right person:

• Northern Hub 020 7034 9965
• Southern Hub 023 9284 5268

Or send us an email at info@furtherforces.org.uk For more information, visit www.furtherforces.org.uk

ABOUT FURTHER FORCES
The Further Forces Programme has been created by the MoD and Department of Education to support anyone leaving the Forces to bring their technical knowledge and skills into teaching in Further Education (FE). 
     If you are preparing to leave the Forces in the next two years, or have left in the last five years, Further Forces can offer you fully funded teacher-training and help you secure a post with a FE provider, teaching students aged 16 or over.