Kirklees College course improves carer’s ‘appetite to keep on learning’

After working in the care sector for 35 years, Richard Watson decided to do a qualification with Kirklees College to enhance his personal development.

Dewsbury man Richard, who is deputy manager at REAL Employment through Kirklees Council, completed a level three Diploma in Health and Social Care last year and found it has helped him in his job.

He said: “It was a good informative experience and I think that doing the course has helped me to be able to do my job more efficiently.

“I might be at this end of my career but found there are still things that I can and want to learn. In fact it has increased my appetite to keep on learning.”

Richard oversees a service which supports adults with learning difficulties and helps them find work.

He is based at Batley Resource Centre but covers the whole of Kirklees. As manager, he supports and advises staff and he felt that gaining the qualification would also allow him to do that job better.

“I have staff doing the same training and it is useful for me to have knowledge of what they are learning in order to support them better,” said Richard.

“Also in the care sector, legislation and other essential information constantly changes so it is important to keep on top of it.”

Richard is hoping his experiences persuade more men to join the care sector, feeling they are currently under-represented.

“I wouldn’t change my job for the world. Helping other people is so fulfilling. I definitely think more men should consider care as a career,” he said.

He also praised the “supportive” and “tremendous” Kirklees College staff.