"If I can do it, everyone can do it.' Adriana's journey into Education and Early Years

Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, returning to work after raising a family, or pursuing a career you’ve always been passionate about, adult learning can open doors to opportunities you may never have thought possible. 

For Adriana Mitreva, studying an adult Education and Early Years course at EKC Dover College was more than just gaining a qualification. It was a chance to build on her previous experience as a teacher, develop new skills, and take the first steps towards a rewarding career working with young children in the UK. 

Now preparing to begin full-time employment in the sector after securing a job through her work placement, Adriana shares her inspiring story of returning to education, balancing family life and achieving her career goals.

Tell us a little about your journey into studying Early Years at EKC Dover College? 

My name is Adriana Mitreva, and I’m studying Early Years Level 2 at EKC Dover College. Before this course, I studied English Level 1 and Level 2 at EKC Folkestone College because I wanted to improve my language and communication skills. I found this very helpful for me, and it was the next step of my continuous development. 

After I finished the English courses, I started looking for something more helpful for me to get the right job. I was excited to sign up for this course because for me it is very interesting to learn how children develop, how they grow up, and I believe here I found knowledge and skills. When I finish the course, I will be able to provide high-quality care for children. 

You were a qualified teacher in Bulgaria before moving to the UK. How was that transition and what made you interested in working with younger children? 

For me it was very interesting to see the other side and new methods of education and care. In Bulgaria I was a teacher in secondary school, and here I became a student in early years, which is great because it is improving my skills and knowledge. 

I think I wanted to work with younger children because they are so interesting to me. I see how they grow up, how they develop, become more independent, and start talking. It was interesting for me to see how they develop and I wanted to be part of that and help them. 

Before this, I worked as a cleaner and cleaned houses, but I knew it was not the job for me. At the same time, I had to look after my son because he was younger and in nursery, so I didn’t have the chance before. Later, this course became my opportunity. 

What have you learned during your course and how have your tutors supported you? 

The lessons were very interesting for me because they gave me exactly the information I need and how I can practice it and implement it in my work. They give me guidance and knowledge, and now at the end of the course I am more confident because the course was so helpful for me. 

The tutors give amazing support. They always help me with paperwork and guide me when I worried about anything regarding jobs. They offer support, give advice, and teach me how to respond in different situations. They are very patient with us, especially with people like me where English is my second language. They help me a lot. 

I also asked if we could do some scenarios about job interviews because I never had a job interview here before. The tutors already arranged that, so I could practice before the real situation. It was very helpful for me.

Tell us about your work placement and how it helped you build confidence in the sector. 

On my work placement I started with three days, from 8.30am until 2pm. I was excited to start because I saw the real process and how I can fit in the team. I saw how I can apply the knowledge I receive in College, and it was very helpful for me. 

My tutor Tanya came to visit me and observed my activity, which give me more confidence that I am on the right track because I received the correct support and correct knowledge. I feel ready to start my new pathway. 

The children just love me. They love when I read stories for them, they want cuddles from me, and they want to play with me, which makes me happy because I feel I am in the right place. 

Your placement led to a job offer. Can you tell us more about that? 

When I finished my work placement hours, the nursery offered me a job, which I accepted. Now I work in the nursery three days from 8.30am until 4pm. 

In September I will be ready to start full-time, which is great. In my opinion, I am already successful because this was my goal. I am so thankful and blessed to be here. 

I believe the work placement helped me a lot because I could show my skills and confidence. Also, the College gave me the opportunity to sign up for another course about food preparation and health and safety with children’s food, so I had extra qualifications and all of the requirements needed for the early years sector. 

How have you balanced studying, work, and family life? 

I was in College every Friday. It’s not so easy, but it is manageable. I leave my son at school, travel to College, attend lessons, and later go home. For me it was easy to manage my responsibilities about my son and family. 

I started at 9.15am and finished at 2pm, which was easy to manage around family life. We also had holidays, so I still had time with my family while continuing my studies. 

The College also offered financial support and paid for my travel costs, so this was one less thing to worry about. It was not a barrier for learning. 

What would you say to somebody who is thinking about changing careers or returning to education later in life? 

Believe me, you can. I am person from another country and English is not my first language. So, if I can do it, everyone can do it. Just go for it. 

Ready to take your first step? 

Adriana’s story shows that it’s never too late to learn something new, build your confidence and work towards a career you love. Whether you’re looking to become an Early Years Practitioner, Teaching Assistant, Nursery Worker, or simply want to gain the skills needed to work with children, returning to education could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. 

At EKC Dover College, our adult courses are designed to fit around work, family and other commitments, with expert tutors, practical learning experiences and support available throughout your journey. 

If you’re considering a career in Education or Early Years, or simply want to explore your options, now could be the perfect time to invest in yourself and your future. 

Find out more about Adult Learning at EKC Dover College and discover where your next step could take you.