TGt Meets....Bath College's Contract & Distance Learning Manager

In our latest TGt Meets interview, we've been speaking to Rosaleen Courtney, Contracts & Distance Learning Manager, all about her role!

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Lancashire and moved here when I went to Bristol University. I liked the area so much I stayed here after living in France and Italy for a year.

How long have you been doing this job for and how did it start?

I have been working in this role for almost four years initially managing subcontractors and then the role expanded to develop our distance learning activity. Before this, I worked on European educational projects as a project manager and as a lecturer.

What has been the best bit of the job so far?

Growing the distance learning range of courses and seeing how the courses help people to gain confidence, retrain for a new career and develop professionally.

What made you choose to work in this industry?

I have had several careers and worked in different sectors: financial services, manufacturing and consultancy but have always been interested in education particularly helping others to develop their skills and talents.

Why did you decide to work at Bath College?

I like the fact that Bath College is local with city centre and rural campuses and that we offer such a wide range of practical courses. It has been great to be a student as well as a member of staff. I particularly enjoyed the italian classes. We had a great teacher, Cinzia, who made classes fun and we all learnt so much.

What do you love about the current role you do?

I like the variety of my role. From working with other training organisations to ensure that they deliver high quality courses to developing our distance learning offer which covers highway engineering and a wide range of short courses in areas such as mental health, dementia and lean management. Having a great team and working together is key to everything.

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

In this role, I am constantly learning new things. Bringing together tutors, course content, admin and online systems to develop and make the whole thing work for students has been quite an achievement.

What do you like doing when you're not at work?

I love to travel, keep fit, walk in the lovely countryside around here and be with my family and friends.

What has this job taught you so far?

The importance of planning, prioritising and working as a team.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who was interested in what you do, what would it be?

Stand in the customer's shoes. In my case, the customer is primarily the student and see how what you do can help them achieve their goals.