A MATURE student is flying high as she returns to the classroom after decades to begin her journey into the world of travel and tourism.
Jody Parry left school 20 years ago and spent the next two decades working in bars, cafes and as a cleaner, as well as bringing up her three children.
But now the 36-year-old has returned to education by studying a Level 3 course in travel and tourism at Darlington College – and is hoping to secure a work placement at the Jet Centre or Teesside International Airport.
“When I was a supervisor in a café I suddenly realised that I could not do that for the rest of my life,” said Jody, of Darlington.
“I wanted to do this course years ago but didn’t have the courage to go back to the classroom as I hadn’t really got on with school. But one of my sons is at college studying bricklaying and another is helping me with my maths – he’s a bit of a maths genious and wants to be an engineer – so I signed up and my kids think it’s great that I’m at college.
“I love my holidays and have travelled a lot, including to Egypt, Cyprus, Tenerife, Turkey and France and it has long been my dream to work at an airport. The college has helped me get a work placement at the Jet Centre, which looks after private jet travellers, which is an area I am really interested in.”
She said the course would help her access a host of career opportunities in the industry including becoming cabin crew, baggage handling, administration and manning check-in and information centres. She could also go on to study the L3 extended diploma after which she could read a degree in travel and tourism, which she was seriously considering.
“Teesside Airport is growing again so it is a very exciting time to be working there,” she added. “I love working with people and at the airport they often arrive feeling stressed, worried about flying or are angry at being delayed. But, having three kids, I’m used to all that stress and am more than happy to help.”
Her lecturer Jeanette Tate said: “It does take courage to return to college after so many years away from formal education but Jody has exhibited the right mindset and now looks perfectly at home. It’s also going to be worth it in the end as it will allow her finally to reach her dream career.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
