DCG Success Stories

Taking free distance learning courses with Derby College Group will give finance coordinator Sybille Sullivan a head start in her new role as a project coordinator.

Sybille, who works for Better Connect, a non-profit organisation in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, will from August, be supporting the project manager and partnership team of key workers in a project aimed at tackling workplace inequality.

She said: “I’ve taken several courses via Derby College Group and am currently finishing the Certificate in Principles of Team Leading. I’ve already completed free online courses with DCG in Equality and Diversity, and British Values, Information, Advice and Guidance, and Principles of Customer Service.

“My new role includes implementing customer service, so I have the learning I’ll need before I take it up. What I’ve studied on the courses has opened doors for me and it will help me grow in my new job.”

Sybille, who is originally from Germany, has a background in audiology and healthcare, having worked in the NHS and private sector. A keen learner, she took her first online course with DCG in September.

She said: “When I was first getting used to the online course format, I put some of my written work in the wrong place, but my tutor emailed me and helped me sort it out. Although it’s distance learning, I don’t feel alone.

“I’ve always felt supported by the college. I’ve had the same tutor for all the courses, and she’s always encouraged me and given me regular feedback. We’ve got to know each other, and I feel I have good tutor-student contact – it’s not just me sitting alone at the computer.”

Sybille was so pleased with her experience of the DCG courses that she recommended them to her Better Connect colleagues.

She added: “My friend and data analyst colleague suggested we did the team leading course at the same time so we can study together after work.

We can take up to six free courses in a year, so I will be taking Principles of Business Administration next as it’s an area I need to know about in my new job.”

Sybille, who has grown up children, has always enjoyed learning and is happy to read up on the subjects she’s studying when she gets home from work.

She added: “I don’t watch much television; after I’ve walked my dog, I prefer to make things or read so this way of learning suits me very well.”