We catch up with some of the staff at Arena Training Centre to discover more about the rewards that teaching can deliver and their recommendations to those who might be considering the classroom as a career.
The training sector is made up of the good, the bad and the ugly, with the likes of TESP working hard in recent years to educate learners about the importance of selecting providers with an ethical approach to education.
Arena Training Centre, based in Sheffield, is most definitely an example of the ‘good’, with Co-Directors Peter ‘Monty’ Monfort and Ian Gall overseeing a busy team of lecturers and assessors who all boast hands-on experience and a background in the electrical sector.
A late starter
Talking more about his transition into teaching, Peter explains: “I was a late comer into the industry, having worked in the Secondary School sector at various levels. With my background in science it was a natural progression to move into the electrical industry.
“I’m still on the tools and work across domestic and small commercial installations whilst also delivering training.
“I started doing some teaching at Arena Training Centre as soon as I qualified and enjoyed having a balance of being on the tools and in the class. Currently, I deliver training from beginners up to Level 4 Design courses.”
Ian adds: “I started as a young lad undertaking an apprenticeship and, in my 38 years, I’ve done everything from little domestic rewires through to huge commercial and industrial projects including oil refineries, student accommodation, care homes, schools and factories.
“My teaching career originally starting by chance, teaching part time evening classes and, after gradually getting more involved, I ended up taking the company on with Monty.
“Despite the hard work, it can be incredibly rewarding and I enjoy taking young students who have no practical knowledge or expertise and developing them over time into good electricians with positive attitudes.”
When catching up with some of the staff at Arena, we wanted to find out more about what the most satisfying elements that come with teaching are.
Greg Steel responds: “Being able to help those that really want it. I was unaware of just how much being able to pass on experience-based knowledge could help those starting out in the industry and I’ve had some fantastic feedback from people who are genuinely thankful for the help we’ve provided.”
Simon Thompson adds: “It has to be watching the students begin their early apprenticeship life at Arena Training Centre to then seeing them complete their AM2 and becoming fully qualified electricians. Sometimes students struggle along the way so it’s nice to be there throughout their journey.”
Ian Simpson says: “I really like the evening classes and seeing learners with no experience at all develop their skills and produce some really tidy installations at the culmination of their training with us.”
Gary Wilson answers: “I remember a discussion with a student who couldn’t understand how a two-way lighting circuit works. After working through the diagram and explaining in six different ways, the penny finally dropped. The lad was delighted and came up to me before he left that evening and thanked me for being patient and helping him.”
And, would they recommend the teaching route to other professionals who are currently on the tools?
Peter Arrow says: “Yes, I’d recommend it to anyone who has a passion for the industry. What better way to protect the future of the electrical profession than by helping those coming through. It’s a rewarding job, not without its challenges, but worth every second.”
James Ahmed adds: “Teaching can be very demanding and you need to have the skills in order to deal with students, so I’d always recommend trying a few days of getting involved with some new starters and see how you feel. I would never have seen myself teaching but now it’s one of the best decisions I’ve taken.”
Ash Boxall responds: “Without a shadow of a doubt. It’s rewarding and engaging. In this industry, even the college staff never stop learning as the regulations change and new technologies emerge.”
Thomas Flewitt says: “Recently, I’ve enjoyed teaching and assessing the JTL students. At Arena Training we may have a classroom with a group of people of all ages and backgrounds, but we support each one individually. It means that, as a lecturer, I have to adapt my teaching which is a good challenge but something that is easier to achieve with such a supportive team working here. I feel this has been reflected in recent feedback from the students which has always been positive, even when the outcome of their exams or assessments may not have been what they were originally hoping for.”
Reflecting on his job and teaching in general, Peter Monfort concludes: “I like it when past apprentices turn up to do professional courses at our centre and find out how well they’re doing in the industry.
“It’s especially rewarding to see some of our historic learners who might politely have been described as ‘challenging learners’, doing so well, and makes all the difficult conversations from the past worth it, as well as a rich source of humour to share in class.
“Teaching is a hugely gratifying career and vital to ensure the future of the industry. If you can get into it early and find a role where you can switch between teaching and being on the tools it will undoubtedly make you a better electrician as well.”
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