Ash is PCET Networks FE Champion this month!

FE CHAMPIONS SEPTEMBER 2006

ASH BALKISSOON

Biography

Ash is currently a hairdresser/ educator. He has worked and trained with various international hairdressers over the last fourteen years.

Within his career history, he has been involved in sessional work, shows and training and education within an FE College and a female prison.

Ash has held a successful career in FE spanning the past three years.

Interview

PCET Network: What do you enjoy most about teaching adult learners?

Ash:        I enjoy giving the learners the ability to work independently with my guidance.
It is extremely rewarding, when I am able to turn unskilled learners into skilled hairdressers who will be able to contribute to the industry.
I really enjoy sharing my wealth of experience as an international stylist.

PCET Network: How did you become an FE Tutor?

Ash:        I have always had a passion for education and training and I have been involved in delivering training to apprentice hairdressers for many years. Over the years I got involved in teaching in private academies and enjoyed the satisfaction of passing my talents to young inspiring hairdressers. I later went on to FE education and found that I enjoyed that even more!

PCET Network: Do you have any good advice that you wish to share with other FE Tutors?

Ash:        FE is considered as an institute that is geared to achieving attendance, retention and achievement rates, but the most tangible reward is to see your learners strive to succeed in their course and be competent in their area of speciality. My advice would be to keep striving for excellence for your students!

PCET Network: What would you say to someone that is thinking about becoming an FE Tutor?

Ash:       FE education is very rewarding and you will enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your learners excel, but you have to have the right attitude and dedication. Always remember that FE tutors are not only responsible for teaching, but there is loads of paper work…, so you have to be prepared to do a fair amount of “non-teaching” work.

Ash is a very sociable person who enjoys spending his free time with friends, eating out at interesting restaurants and travelling.

PCET Network is pleased to introduce Ash Balkissoon as the PCET Network FE Champion for September 2006.