A 22-year career in the Royal Air Force has given Matthew a wealth of experience, leadership skills and industry knowledge. Now, he is using that experience to inspire the next generation after beginning his teaching career through the graduate teaching opportunity at North Shropshire College.
Matthew spent 22 years in the RAF, working across strategic and tactical roles, as well as gaining experience as an instructor and apprenticeship assessor. His extensive industry background is now proving invaluable as he teaches Uniformed Protective Services, the Blue Light Pathway and Advance at North Shropshire College.
His move into teaching was driven by a desire to help others achieve their potential, regardless of their background. Having experienced challenges with his own education, Matthew wanted to use his experiences to create a positive learning environment for his students.
The college’s graduate teaching opportunity has provided Matthew with a route into the profession while allowing him to learn and develop within a real classroom environment. Rather than following a traditional route into teaching, the opportunity enables him to combine his existing professional experience with teaching development and practical experience.
“Having spent years in my industry, it is great to be able to pass on that knowledge to a new generation and see them grow and develop.”
For Matthew, one of the biggest benefits of the opportunity has been being able to learn while working. As an industry expert, he can bring knowledge from his previous career directly into the classroom, while developing his teaching practice with the support of experienced colleagues.
Since joining North Shropshire College, Matthew has received a warm welcome from staff and has been supported by a mentor as he develops his skills. He works alongside teaching colleagues, planning lessons and gradually progressing towards taking greater responsibility for his classes.
His role across Level 1 to Level 3 also gives him the opportunity to experience different levels of teaching, coursework and assessment, helping him to build a broad understanding of the profession.
Starting his first teaching role has been an exciting experience for Matthew. He is enjoying getting to know his students and putting the teaching skills he is developing into practice, including creating and delivering his own lesson plans.
He believes flexibility is particularly important in the classroom. Drawing on his experience as an instructor, Matthew understands that students learn in different ways and that teachers need to be able to adapt their approach to meet individual needs.
His own career journey also highlights the opportunities available to people who may not have initially considered teaching as their next career.
Matthew is keen to encourage those with valuable industry experience to explore alternative routes into education, particularly opportunities that allow them to gain experience and develop professionally while working.
For North Shropshire College, Matthew’s journey demonstrates the value of bringing industry professionals into education. His first-hand experience of the RAF, leadership, instruction and assessment provides students with practical insight that complements their classroom learning.
As he continues to develop as a teacher, Matthew is looking forward to building his confidence, expanding his teaching experience and supporting his students as they work towards their own future careers.
His story demonstrates that a career in education does not always have to follow a traditional path your industry experience could be the starting point for a rewarding new career in teaching.
North Shropshire College offers opportunities for individuals looking to develop their teaching careers while gaining valuable experience in the classroom.
If you have industry experience and a passion for helping others learn, discover how the college’s graduate teaching opportunities could help you take the next step towards a career in education.