Mum of four embarks on a new career in further education at Edge Hill

Postgraduate diploma in teaching graduate, Rehmatun Mohtat, is proving it’s never too late for a new career direction, completing her latest qualification at 49 years old.

The mother of four from Preston has been on a career journey, starting work in a bank, retraining as a nursery nurse and then moving into family support before becoming an outreach worker in safeguarding and child protection.

Rehmatun later returned to nursery work as a centre manager while studying for an undergraduate degree in primary teaching. But her focus turned to older children, with a new desire to educate 16 to 18-year-olds.

She decided to take a PGDE (further education and skills), specialising in early years and childhood studies. And it was always going to be at Edge Hill.

Rehmatun said: “My daughter was at Edge Hill doing a degree in operating department practice, so I already knew I liked the atmosphere, the presentation of the campus and the greenery.

“Most importantly for me, the university was top-rated for teacher training. I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I wanted to be at a recognised and highly regarded institution. It had to be Edge Hill.”

Rehmatun’s studies have not been plain sailing, not least caring for her four children, aged between 10 and 24. But she has taken the challenges of the past 12 months all in her stride.

She said: “It’s been difficult, but I’ve enjoyed it. There’ve been lots of late nights and takeaways. We’ve all rallied around. And the support system at the university has been really good. If I’ve contacted my tutors out of hours with any questions or issues, they’ve always come back to me the next day. I’ve appreciated it immensely.”

Rehmatun is now comfortable with her chosen career path. It encompasses all her job roles and experience to date, and she is excited for the future. She said: “I got a temporary contract with Runshaw College after my placement, so I must have been doing something right!

“My priority is to gain experience in secondary and further education in my specialist subject, so I’ve joined several agencies to get some short-term work, hopefully starting in September.

“I will then look for a full-time role. I do see myself teaching until I retire. Once I’m well-established, I want to get qualified teacher learning and skills status (QTLS), which will prepare me to take on team or course leader roles with more responsibilities.”

Find out more about postgraduate diploma in teaching at Edge Hill University here.