Hi!

I’m Becky Sargeant and I’m the Curriculum Manager for Accounting, Business, Computing and Travel.

I started my working life at Alton Towers, where I played Mrs Tiggywinkle in the Ice Show!

At around the age of 19, I decided that I wanted to work in a more stable environment, so I enrolled onto the AAT accounting course at my local college. I quickly realised this was an area I wanted to work in and started an apprenticeship at Jacksons’ Accountants. After completing my apprenticeship, I then progressed onto the ACCA chartered accountancy qualification.

Whilst studying ACCA, my lecturer approached me and asked if I had thought about teaching, and that they had a teacher training qualification that you could enrol on, once you had completed the course. That got me thinking, and for the first time actually saw a career pathway. So when the job for an Assessor in Accounting came up at Newcastle College, I jumped at it. I love working here and have been lucky enough to be promoted a couple of times.

I have worked at the College now for 17 years and love it!

Hi!

Hi!

I’m Fran Hitchen and I’m the Curriculum Leader for Travel and Tourism.

I studied for a BA (Hons) International Tourism Management at Leeds Beckett University, Centre of Excellent in Tourism. As part of my degree I took the opportunity to complete a placement year where I moved to Menorca and had my first real taste of the Travel and Tourism Industry as a Holiday Representative for First Choice Holidays. Following this placement I then went to work back in the UK at a local hotel chain working Back of Office with the Operations Management and Reception teams. In my final year of studies I also gained part-time employment at Headingly Cricket Ground in the Marketing department.

Having graduated from university I wanted to peruse my dream job…Cabin Crew. I loved every aspect of the job and was able to see places around the world that some people can only dream of going to.

I came to Stafford College as a guest speaker. I never dreamt that it would be the starting point to my career in education. The college invested in me whilst I was still flying and I completed my PGCE, and on completion of this I was employed as a full-time Lecturer in Travel and Tourism.

Now, as Curriculum Leader with 15 year’s experience, I teach across a wide range of courses/levels both within Travel and Tourism and Business including, Level 2, 3, HNC and HND at NSCG. I have a passion for HE and hope to one day complete my Masters Degree in Sustainable Tourism.

I genuinely love the job I do and I am able to tell students what the industry is truly like and can truly relate when I say the ‘sky’s the limit’.

Hi!

I'm Ruth Daniel and I am a Lecturer in Business and Finance.

I started teaching A Level Economics, Business, Accounting and BTEC Business full time in 2000 whilst working in London, and I have a great passion for education and how it influences and shapes our lives.

Before getting into teaching, I worked as a Housing Officer in London, then went on to work with British Airport Authority within the Accounts department. After having my daughter, I went back to university to do my degree and then my PGCE. Then when my daughter became a teenager, I took on the challenge to do my Master’s degree. My experience in industry has enabled me to share and apply to my teaching.

Whilst being a Curriculum Manager for Business at a college in London, I placed a large number of students in KPMG. Many students came from deprived areas but the support of the education system and brilliant teachers supporting them allowed them to believe in themselves. I am passionate about education and believe in the young generation of today as you are our future.

I moved to the area two years ago, and I love it!

Hi!

I’m Nikki Dean, and I’m a Lecturer of Travel and Tourism.

I started out in my career working for an independent Retail Travel Agency. I worked in travel for several years in both retail travel & business travel, travelling extensively and developing my knowledge of the industry.

Although I was happy in the industry I felt I needed a new challenge, and this is when I embarked on my second passion, teaching. I have been a lecturer at Stafford College for over 25 years, and during that time I have seen many changes to education and have adapted and embraced all changes. I have taught across many levels from Level 1 to HND and have delivered a wide variety of subjects.

I am also a Teaching and Learning Coach, which involves mentoring staff by encouraging, supporting and empowering them to develop their teaching skills, classroom management skills and ability to effectively use college systems. In addition, I enjoy being a cross college lead tutor.

I have recently taken up a part time role alongside my teaching role with the Vertical Travel group as a Travel Consultant, this has allowed me to update my industry experience and knowledge which in turn has benefited my students enormously.