Ex student turns teacher after being inspired by animal care lecturers

A FORMER college student will turn teacher after being inspired to pursue a career in education by her lecturers.

Amber Maddocks was a learner in Animal Care and Management at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi and had planned to go on and work in the sector.

But watching her tutors at work changed Amber’s mind and drove her to become a lecturer herself.

The 23 year-old will now be on placement at the land-based college, near Ruthin, while studying for a PGCE teaching qualification at the college’s Yale site in Wrexham.

“My time at the college was extremely enjoyable and I would always look forward to the lessons as the modules were very stimulating and I loved to learn,” said Amber.

“I got on well with my classmates – who I am still close to – and though it sounds strange it was probably the coursework and assignments I enjoyed the most.

“I absolutely loved producing them to the highest standard I could and being rewarded for that, and seeing it reflected in my results. I think part of that made me think about doing that for others, and sharing what I had learned – so here I am.”

After achieving a Distinction* in Animal Management Level 3, she enrolled on the enhanced Animal Science course at Aberystwyth University, to gain further experience of farm, companion, and equine.

“Animals have always been a passion of mine from a young age, which started with horse riding and me having pets of my own,” said Amber, from Wrexham.

“Using my current skills and everything I have obtained over the past few years, my future career goal is to become a lecturer on an animal course as I am interested to help, motivate and develop a student’s ability and aspiration to learn.

“I hope I can motivate them to become passionate about education, just like me.”

Lorraine Hampson, a Lecturer in Animal Care and Management at Llysfasi, added: “Amber always worked consistently hard to produce work to an extremely high standard and was always determined to succeed in education and within the land-based industry.

“I look forward to working with Amber within the Animal Care team as a lecturer at Llysfasi, where she began her journey as a student.”