Meet ... Lorna

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I have been here almost 14 years. I started at the college in February 2011 as a trainee teacher, whilst studying my PGCE. I wanted to work in a busy FE college because I loved attending one as a learner when I did my A Levels. So I was delighted when I picked up some additional work teaching literacy skills whilst studying. The next September, once qualified, I had a full teaching timetable as a PTHP lecturer. After a couple of years, I secured a full-time contract teaching skills across college and became the Lead IV for Essential Skills Communications. I then moved into the General Education department teaching GCSE and A Level English Language. In 2018 I became Deputy Head of General Education where I gained management and leadership experience. After four and a half years in that role, I moved into a brand-new role as an Excellence Lead, where as a new team, we develop strategy for Teaching & Learning and staff development. I continue to work in this area as Quality Manager. 

I love the variety of working at CAVC – no day is the same and each academic year is a new experience. The number of learners, staff and partners mean that it is an exciting place to be, always buzzing with people, events, projects – all so different from each other. In 14 years, I have never been bored! And there are so many opportunities in an organisation of this size; it’s reassuring knowing that you work somewhere where staff are supported and encouraged to explore applying their knowledge and skills in different areas.  

It could be easy to worry about getting lost when working in a large organisation, but at CAVC, there is a genuine community of value-driven people, so good work is recognised and ideas are listened to. My journey shows that staff are encouraged to grow and develop, which is exactly what education is all about. As well as career development, there are so many outward-facing opportunities as a member of staff at CAVC. One of the most memorable for me was taking learners to Norway for a week to visit our partner school in Bergen as part of an exchange programme. Not only was it an amazing experience to visit such beautiful place, but it was a privilege to be providing young people with such a unique learning experience. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit national conferences where, as well as meeting world-famous leaders in education, I’ve delivered sessions alongside them. It is rewarding to be able to experience that, and represent the college on a national, or international, stage.  

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