A LECTURER, who became so inspired as a pupil that he turned to teaching, has told his story.

Computer Science lecturer Michael Oliver, 26, started his working career in retail before enrolling at Basingstoke College of Technology.

Michael said: “I have to be honest, I had a fairly erratic start to my career. After my mum passed away when I was 16, I dropped out of college where I was studying A-levels and went to work as a sales assistant at Next. I progressed to homeware manager but then following the birth of my son I had a wake-up call and decided I needed to sort my life out and decide what I wanted to do with it.

“I enrolled at BCoT at the age of 21 on the BTEC Extended Diploma in Information Technology, which is a two year course equivalent to three A levels. I completed the qualification in one year with distinctions gained in every unit. I guess you could say I was determined. I also re-sat my GCSE Maths and completed the first level of the teaching qualifications. It was a very busy year.

“Following BCoT I went to Reading University to study a degree in Software Engineering but I didn’t enjoy the subjects I was studying and knew I was wasting my time. After six months I left and started at BCoT as a sessional lecturer teaching Level 2 and 3 Computer Systems.

“I then went to Farnborough College of Technology to study for a Foundation Degree in Computing with Software Engineering whilst still teaching part-time at BCoT. I successfully completed my studies and am now planning to do a top-up degree through the Open University – oh, and I’m also doing a Diploma in Education and Training!

“So what inspired me to become a teacher at BCoT? It was all down to my first teacher at the college, Leigh Fuller, who is now Head of Computer Sciences. She had such a passion for teaching, with so much industry knowledge. Nothing was too much trouble and she made time for every student. I guess Leigh taught me that everyone deserves a chance and that teaching really can enhance the life of a young person.”

Leigh also speaks very highly of Michael, adding: “He is the only student who has ever bought me flowers when I told him he had to do more work! I marked 16 of Michael’s 18 assignments and he was the first student to achieve a triple distinction star and complete this two-year Level 3 course in one year.

“He is a benchmark for our current students and is an incredible young man, who shows that you really can achieve anything in life if you are determined enough.”

Michael is now an established part of the Computer Science teaching team at BCoT and has been accredited with Grade 1 Outstanding in his past two teaching observations. He is now looking forward to inspiring and making a difference to the students he teaches.

He said: “I know that a teacher can have a huge impact on young people and the paths they choose to take. When my mum died I was on course to throw my life away. However, I was stopped in my tracks when I came to BCoT and suddenly became inspired again.

“I love the fact that you can walk into a classroom and students know nothing about the unit you are about to teach. By the end of that lesson they are empowered with knowledge and understanding and that’s down to me. I feel I’ve found my vocation in life and, if I can help other students along the way find their’s, then I know I’m doing something right.”