DCG Success Stories

Taking Derby College Group’s distance learning courses is helping online content specialist and voluntary worker Joey Tamburello to rebuild her career.

Joey, who  lives in Hertfordshire, discovered the courses while volunteering at her local Mind charity shop and has gone on to gain five level 2 certificates over the past two years.

Joey, 27 who has a First in journalism from London Metropolitan University, said: “Someone I worked with in the Mind shop recommended the courses to me. Since then, I have taken five, covering retail, business operations, autism and mental health and would like to take some more.

“I loved distance learning. My lecturer Clare was always available if I had a problem and was great at giving feedback. I enjoyed taking the courses more than I did studying for my degree as I found I wasn’t putting myself under so much pressure. Receiving the certificates at the end of all that hard work was lovely too.”

Joey, who has won awards for her journalism, has experience in publishing  and communications and is currently working as a blogger, entertainment reporter and online content creator with her own venture, Let’s Start with This One.

She chose to study retail and business to assist her in her charity shop volunteering and with her own work. She took the other courses in metal health and autism as she has a personal interest in them.

Derby College’s distance learning courses are designed for adults like Joey who have busy schedules, as they can be accessed easily via smartphone, tablet, or laptop. They are aimed at helping people overcome any financial barriers which might be preventing them from making the most of their educational opportunities.

Many DCG distance learning students qualify for a free place, with tens of thousands on low wages meeting the eligibility criteria. Find out whether you’re eligible for a free course.