Danielle studied Level 2 Teaching and Learning in the Classroom at Bradford College leading to her working initially as a Learning Support Officer at the college.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Danielle Coleman suddenly found herself without the job she had built her life around.
After years in retail management, losing her position during COVID could have felt like a dead end, but for Danielle, it became the turning point that allowed her to finally follow her passion.
Today, Danielle is a Pastoral Intervention and Safeguarding Officer, supporting young people and doing the work she always dreamed of. Her journey began with one decision: enrolling on the Level 2 Teaching and Learning in the Classroom course at Bradford College.
Starting Again as an Adult Learner
After leaving school unsure of her future, Danielle had built a successful career in retail management. But when one of her daughters was born deaf, she saw first-hand the impact that dedicated support workers could have on a child’s life.
“All I saw were a lot of people coming in to support her and help her in schools and I thought, I want to do that.”
Financially, she couldn’t leave her job at the time. But when COVID meant she was unable to be furloughed and lost her role, she chose to see the moment as a door opening, not closing.
“I thought, this is it. This is my opportunity. It’s time.”
She searched online for courses and found exactly what she needed at Bradford College.
Learning Through Lockdown: Overcoming Barriers and Building Confidence
For Danielle, starting the course was daunting.
“I’m not a very confident person… so it was really daunting. But the passion took over and pushed me to do it.”
Her course began just as restrictions were changing. After one in-person session, teaching moved back to being fully online. Danielle found herself learning alongside people she hadn’t met in real life, while also supporting her children with schoolwork at home.
“It was hard… you were doing teamwork having never met. It was really odd.”
Despite the challenges, the support she received from her tutor made all the difference.
“She was so good, you felt like you knew her.”
The course also helped her see skills and strengths she didn’t realise she had.
“It actually helped me with my confidence… it made me feel comfortable in the job because we’d gone through so much on the course.”
Discovering a New Path and a New Passion
While studying, Danielle asked if she could volunteer with the College’s 14–16 Provision, the same area where her daughter had recently enrolled.
“After a month I thought, ‘I’m not leaving. I love it.’”
Volunteering gave her hands-on experience and helped her understand young people’s needs on a deeper level. It also sparked a new interest: supporting learners with more complex or challenging circumstances.
“The areas I’d never heard of became the ones I most wanted to work in.”
From Volunteer to Staff Member
When a Learning Support job opened up, Danielle applied, and got it.
“I found out I got the job and I just couldn’t believe it.”
Her passion and commitment didn’t stop there. After gaining more experience, she progressed into her current role as a Pastoral Intervention and Safeguarding Officer, supporting students who need additional help, care, and guidance.
“I struggled with only doing part of the support and handing things over. I wanted to follow it through. This – what I’m doing now – is what I’m most proud of.”
Looking Forward: A Future in Counselling
Danielle now hopes to continue her professional journey by training as a counsellor — a natural progression of her compassionate approach.
“I really, really want to be a counsellor… I want to help from a different level.”
With support from her manager, she plans to join the counselling course at Bradford College in September.
Danielle’s Advice
For other adults thinking about returning to education, Danielle’s message is clear and passionate:
“Do it. Just do it. Go for it. It’s the best thing I’ve done.”
She wants learners to know they’re not alone — and that age is never a barrier.
“My biggest fear before I enrolled was being the oldest in the room, but I soon discovered lots of adult learner feels that way. Age doesn’t matter – what matters is taking that first step.”
A Journey Built on Courage, Passion, and Opportunity
Danielle’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change direction, follow your passion, and build a career that makes a difference.
From losing her job during the pandemic, to discovering a new purpose while gaining qualifications, Danielle’s journey shows the real impact of adult learning.
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