Nicola worked as a fully qualified Nursery Nurse before she received the devastating news that she had Marfan's Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can severely damage the eyes. Her condition meant that she was forced to leave her job as her eyesight deteriorated until she was completely blind.

Unemployed and with no knowledge of how to return to work, Nicola met with her Access to Work Advisor who suggested that she attend a visit day to RNIB College Loughborough. Nicola says "the visit day proved absolutely vital, I was able to meet staff and trainees and really get a feel for the place".

Nicola enrolled on a 6 month programme, learning the practical skills she needed for work, which for Nicola meant learning how to use a computer again. With the support of her tutors she became skilled at using access technology such as JAWS and this led to achieving her CLAIT Qualifications.

The College Office Enterprise provided Nicola with a real work environment where she completed daily admin tasks for staff and students. The work varied and could include file management, photocopying, laminating, emailing, product sourcing and procurement as well as developing skills in time management and customer service. Nicola says, "I surprised myself with how much she was able to achieve".

For her Placement Nicola spent 2 weeks working with a local organisation in the HR Department. This turned into a 3 month paid position giving Nicola the confidence boost she needed.

As well as achieving Qualifications and work experience to impress potential employers the College provided practical advice on interview techniques, CV building, job searches and applications forms. Nicola says that the Mock interviews were "a brilliant way to practice in a realistic yet supported environment."

Nicola has now successfully gained the post of Ward Clerk at a local Hospital and is responsible for the administration of the entire ward. As well as this she also volunteers at the college one day a week. Nicola says, "My advice to anyone thinking about the course is to have a go. It's about so much more than just work, it opens up a much bigger community and gives you the confidence to communicate and be independent. I also wanted to give something back to say thank you for all the fantastic support I received. It was hard work but I would never have even applied for my job without the confidence, skills and experience that I learnt at the College."

Read more about our Adult Employment Programmes.

See pictures relating to our Adult Education Programmes on our Flickr site.