Telford College has been working with the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust to provide BTEC specialist level 3 awards in education and training to staff in educator roles.

More than 50 staff, split into three cohorts at Shrewsbury Hospital, Telford Princess Royal Hospital and Telford College’s Haybridge campus, are set to pass this 12-week programme by May. One staff member studying this programme is diabetes health educator Larisa Trower.

Larisa works with the Adult Community Diabetes Specialist Service at Shropshire Community Health. Her role involves educating patients through the X-PERT Diabetes Programme, where she organises and delivers six-week courses around Shropshire for anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, teaching them how to manage the condition effectively.

“I found out about the training course through a post on our Trust staff Facebook page,” said Larisa. “Completing a level 3 programme in education and training was a great opportunity and was very relevant to my current role in diabetes education.

“I enjoyed discussing the different teaching and learning approaches and how to ensure inclusivity with the group. It was also useful to apply it to education in healthcare at the same time.

“It was an interactive course, and the facilitator was always there to support us when we needed it, which helped me stay motivated throughout the 12 weeks. What I appreciated most from the course was learning about the theory behind teaching techniques which I now implement into my role when providing patient education on diabetes in the NHS.”

She added: “The education and training course has helped a lot with my current role as an educator.

“It explained the reasoning behind some of the techniques I was already using, and we also discussed the different teaching and learning approaches which I now incorporate to ensure that learning has taken place during my sessions. It has also increased my awareness of how to ensure the learning environment is inclusive for all patients who attend.

“I would definitely recommend the course to anyone in the NHS that delivers training for patients or healthcare professionals.”

As part of the programme, staff can learn how to understand roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training, as well as how to facilitate learning and developme

nt for individuals and groups.

Abi Allen, programme manager for higher education and access at Telford College, is the main facilitator for this programme. She said: “Larisa was very keen to pass this qualification. She’s very highly skilled and approachable; I can’t wait to see how she progresses.

“The staff in the NHS who sign up and complete this training are often working with or supporting others in the workplace. They may support student nurses on the wards, deliver health and safety training to their colleagues or they may be Practice Education Facilitators (PEFs), who are coaching trainees and students in the hospitals.

“This qualification assists them with their overall responsibilities in relation to education and training others. For those who are interested in delivering training or tutoring to others, they can progress to a level 4 or level 5 teaching diploma.”