Certificate in Understanding Autism

"I found out about Distance Learning at Petroc through a friend of mine on social media. I asked her about the course as I too have a child with Autism. As my son is now seven and going through many changes I really felt at loose end and I did not have much knowledge on Autism.

"The team at Petroc who I have had contact with have all been helpful and respectful and the workload was a good amount. During school holidays it was harder to study, but even doing an hour a night once my children were asleep was enough. If I required help I would simply email my tutor and she was fantastic. My tutor would give great feedback upon marking my work. 

"I have recommended this course to three or four other people who also have a child with Autism. I feel this course has benefited me and increased my understanding of Autism, so I am confident others will benefit too.

"I am looking into enrolling onto a new course with Petroc to study behaviour that challenges. I had to leave my previous job due to my son's needs and my other son has health problems that prevent me putting him into childcare. These distant learning courses are giving me a chance to continue to learn in my own time, and this will help me and my sons in the future."

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?
Petroc was recommended to me by my colleague, due to the quality of the teaching and the range of courses offered.

And what made you pick this particular course?
For Continuous Professional Development for my job, as well as for personal interest.

Which elements of your course do you particularly enjoy?
I enjoyed the whole process; from the start of the course, to the tutor engagement, to the assignments, to the end of the course.

What have been the highlights so far?
Gaining new knowledge and skills.

 What do you most enjoy about studying at Petroc?
I found the staff at Petroc very helpful and accommodating, and the tutors very knowledgeable, particularly when giving feedback and when marking the assignments. 

What do you plan to do when you leave college?
I intend to use the knowledge gained in my professional environment.  

What’s the long-term plan?
I intend to continue with my studies at Petroc to further my teaching profession.

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?
I would thoroughly encourage anyone interested in studying, to sign up for any course offered by Petroc.

NOVEMBER 2020

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?
While during a period of unemployment, I was recommended Petroc and additional learning to help boost my employment prospects and give me something to focus on. I was dubious to start with about going back to structured studying but I have to say, the team at Petroc were amazing and very supportive on my journey. 

And what made you pick this particular course?
My initial course through Petroc was Mental Health Awareness but following completing my diploma in Health, I very much enjoyed end of life care and the opportunity to work within that environment during my diploma. Doing the course helped support me in the role, support my colleagues and get a better understanding of the principles of end of life from the patient and family perspective. I felt better equipped to deal with end of life situations and it has helped me develop better opportunities for my career in my existing role. 

Which elements of your course do you particularly enjoy?
 I have very much enjoyed and embraced the research side of my course and the added value it brought, providing more in-depth answers to my work. I enjoyed learning about end of life care in different cultures and in particular understanding the many barriers to dying a good death we have in society. Research has opened my mind to different forms of thinking on the subject. 

What have been the highlights so far? 
The highlights for me were working with a very supportive team, sharing my learning with my wider team, putting into practise my learning in a health care environment and the humbling tutor feedback on how interesting my work was. All this together gave me great encouragement and has made me very proud of my achievements. 

What do you most enjoy about studying at Petroc?
I think the highlight for me, being a more mature student, was working at my own pace with the support of an amazing team. I will admit I struggled on numerous occasions with the stresses of my job, tiredness and Covid to achieve course deadlines but the team worked with me, always communicated and supported me to get there. A massive thank you to you all! 

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?
Embrace additional learning, no matter how old you are! Always speak up especially if you're having problems or need extra support…they don’t bite, I promise! And enjoy the journey with the rewards of a recognised national qualification at the end of it.

NOVEMBER 2020 

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?
I chose to come to Petroc as they had a wide range of courses that really interested me, in the career I would like to do.

And what made you pick this particular course?
I picked Awareness of Mental Health Level 2 as it seemed like a great course to do as mental health is such a big thing in the world. Also, one of the future jobs I have looked into is working with people with mental health. I also picked Children’s Mental Health as I would love to work with children -  I’ve wanted this since I was 16 and now 10 years later I have the chance to get some qualifications behind me to move on. I have chosen Nutrition and Health as it would be great to explore that more and with my 3 children, it would be great.

Which elements of your course do you particularly enjoy?
I have enjoyed being able to be home with my children and helping them grow, aswell as showing them that even mummy can learn new things. I can spend time with my children and still be able to get the qualifications that I would like.

What have been the highlights so far?
The highlight of the courses that I have done and are doing now is learning new things about a variety of different aspects in life.

What do you most enjoy about studying at Petroc?
I enjoy the fact that even though I’m studying at home I still have full support from the tutors, they are always only an email away or I can call for support.

What do you plan to do when you leave college?
When I have done the courses I would like to do, I plan on looking into work around the qualifications that I have got.

What’s the long-term plan?
I plan on studying for a bit and then I plan on looking into a career.  I would love to do care work or helping children with mental health.

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?
My advice would be go for it! The learning materials are really helpful, you get full support 24/7, it’s an amazing opportunity and I wish that I had known about these courses sooner. 

NOVEMBER 2020 

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?
Because I wanted to study areas that I had not previously studied and the course was free. 

And what made you pick this particular course?
I enjoy distance learning and felt that I could manage this around my own commitments. 

What have been highlights so far? 
Top tutor feedback, allowing me to fully develop my answer before each submission. Also, quick marking and a positive environment to learn in. 

What do you most enjoy about studying at Petroc?
I could study in my own time in my own way.  

What do you plan to do when you leave Petroc? 
I plan to keep studying. 

What’s the long-term plan?
To continue working for the ambulance service and better helping my patients with my new knowledge. 

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?
Anyone can do these courses if you believe in yourself. Just do it!

JANUARY 2021