Level 3 to Degree: Muhammad's journey with The Growth Company

When the Growth Company started to deliver Access to Higher Education courses in 2012, Muhammad Awais was the first student to enrol, studying at Churchgate House on Oxford Road in Manchester. After successfully completing his course, Muhammed began a Foundation Degree in Business Management, before progressing onto a BSc in Business Management.

Now with his qualifications and a few years away from working, Muhammed has returned to the Growth Company with a passion for teaching and has begun studying Teacher Training PGCE 14+ M, which the Growth Company delivers in partnership with the University of Bolton. Muhammad is also completing his teaching practice with the Growth Company.

Speaking on his experience from studying at college to enrolling at the Growth Company, Muhammad said “When I finished school, I didn’t have any grades, I had failed my GSCEs. I then went to a local college, where I completed my Level 1 and 2 in Business. Unfortunately, due to funding, I was unable to complete my Level 3 at the same college. I went to the National Careers Service, and they referred me to the Growth Company, and in 2012 I started my Access to Higher Education course.”

“It was great to be able to progress with my studies and complete a Degree with the Growth Company. After completing my degree, I got a job in a Claims Department, where I worked for 6 months. Then I got a job in a telecommunications company, where I worked as a Customer Services Advisor for 18 months. After that, I had the thought that I wanted to get into teaching. Whilst studying at the Growth Company, one of the teachers inspired me to become a teacher, so that’s why I got in touch with Rosemarie Davies, Head of Higher Education, who told me I could start my PGCE in September 2021. It’s been almost 2 months now since I have been on the course, and it’s been great.”

Muhammed shares with us that “The support you get at the Growth Company is a lot more than you get than studying at a university. For example, you are able to book 1 to 1’s with your tutors. It’s not something you would easily get when studying at a university campus, so to have it here really helped, especially with achieving my grades.

“I needed Functional Skills English and Maths to get onto my Degree, so the Growth Company helped me to achieve my level 2 English and maths.”

“The Growth Company was a lot more supportive. If I was to do Functional Skills elsewhere, I don’t think I would’ve had that much support.”

Muhammed recommends the Growth Company to others, stating that “It’s a great place to be at if you want to progress if you want to study and get the help and support. It’s definitely the place to go to.”

Rosemarie Davies, Higher Education Manager said: “We are exceptionally proud of Muhammad and delighted that the introduction of Access courses to our Higher Education portfolio in 2012 has meant that over 500 people have been given the opportunity to get the qualifications they needed to go to university and are now enjoying successful careers in health, education and business.“

Well, done Muhammed! We’re very proud of everything you’ve achieved and have no doubts that you’ll go on to do great things in your career, and we look forward to seeing where you progress in your hopes of teaching!

If you’d like to learn in a supportive, encouraging environment, have a look at our courses https://www.gceducationandskills.ac.uk/courses/ or get in touch with our team today by calling 0161 233 2656.