Meet ... Josephine
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I have been working at the college for 6 years. I started as a Science technician whilst finishing my Masters in Forensic Science. I always had the plan of becoming a Lecturer but was not sure if it is for me. Through being a Science technician, I found myself more wanting to be in the classroom, helping learners than being in my preparation room. I graduated from my Masters and then decided to do my PGCE at CAVC. This was supported by Head of department but also funded through the Aspire to teach programme. Whilst doing my PGCE, I had the opportunity to be a Skills lead- taking care of the inspiring skills competitions and we had success in this. After finishing my PGCE, I became a partime lecturer and year later I became a full time lecturer with additional roles of digital lead and anti racism lead. I then started my PhD journey which I am currently doing my fourth year and have two years left. This year, I was appointed a Technology Enhanced learner manager
At CAVC, I feel a strong connection to the mission of transforming lives through education. It’s not just a job—it’s being part of something bigger that truly matters; interacting with students and staff from diverse backgrounds creates a dynamic and inspiring environment. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, teach, and grow together. The leadership at CAVC sets the tone by being approachable, transparent, and visionary. They inspire confidence and encourage innovation at all levels.
One of the standout benefits is the investment CAVC makes in its people. From professional development courses to leadership opportunities, the college helps us grow as individuals and as professionals.
Working here has provided me with so many opportunities, including going to China to teach Biology and travelling to Bosnia to speak to genocide survivors which then it led me to be a board member of the Remembering Srebrenica charity. Through staff development I have also received funding for my PhD and I had my PGCE funded through aspire teaching.
I have been given so many more opportunities since working here, including:
- Delivering a Forensic workshop for the international department both in the summer and during the year.
- Judging the Inspiring skills competitions for lab tech and Forensic Science competition
- Undertaking TED programmes and I was part of the MIT global teaching programme to upskill myself
- Leading on the AI project, collaborating with Bridgend college
- Developed VR infographics in collaboration with Coleg Gwent
- Spoke at Digifest 2022
I have also won quite a few awards, such as winning the education and training award 2021, the continuity professional development award 2021, and I was shortlisted for the rising award 2019.
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