Sewing Tutor – Sharon Connolly

1. 1. How did you hear about Knowsley FACE? – 

After having my son in 2012 I joined the local sure start centres to do baby classes. I got talking to another mother who mentioned courses that face was doing and one of the courses was a sewing course, which made me enquire.

2. 2. How many courses have you completed with Knowsley FACE? 

I have completed over 7 courses since 2013.

3. 3.  What made you pick your subject? 

I have a degree in sewing and was a full-time carer for my terminally ill mother and 2 small children and I was desperate to make a roman blind, so this was my time to be myself and do what I enjoy doing which is sewing.  I have been sewing since age four and was taught by mum but went onto to study fashion and textiles for five years.  After graduating I managed to secure myself a junior job as a garment technologist and went onto further my career in this field and was lucky enough to visit the far east numerous times and also Pakistan so with a wealth of sewing knowledge, I knew this course was right for me.

4. 4.  What has your learning enabled you to do? 

The CEO of the creative crafts noticed all my qualifications and asked wouldn’t I consider becoming a sewing tutor and with her help and support I was able to access the teaching training course which enabled me to become a sewing Tutor for face.

5. 5.  What did you enjoy most about the programme?  

I most enjoyed having time for myself and mixing with other adults with similar interests as myself and learning something new.

6. 6. What barriers previously prevented you from engaging in learning? What support helped you overcome your barriers? 

I had a baby and a young son with Autism and caring for my mother so didn’t think any type of learning was possible but, FACE made this easier for me and supported me with childcare for the day course, and I managed to secure a place in the evening to do my teaching course.

7. 7. What difference has this course made to your personal life and/or career? (Learnt new skills, improved confidence, progressing onto employment/ further learning etc.) 

It has made a huge difference by giving me the confidence to start a new career and helped me by offering me a job as a sewing tutor once I had qualified.  My first year of teaching I was recognised by Ofsted as an inspiration to the company and other tutors should be inspired my myself, which was unbelievable.  I was also put forward to the festival of learning by my CEO and learners which was unbelievable for my first year of teaching.  FACE has always encouraged me to do other courses and recognises my potential and only last year let me have the free reins to discuss with the local theatre group to make costumes for their actors to wear in the local Elizabethan parade and also worn in the Shakespeare performance of William Shakespeare.

This then gave me the confidence to discuss with local charity shops to receive their clothing that would have gone into landfill to have to use to make into new garments and projects in which one of the outfits and bag was put up in their charity shop.  This has made great relationships in the local community.

8. 8. What would you say to anyone thinking about enrolling on a course with Knowsley FACE? 

Don’t wait just enrol it can change your life, make friends for life and just get out there you won’t regret it.  The kettle is always on, and the tutors are all down to earth and welcoming you on your next adventure.

9. 9. Have you gained employment because of attending this course? 

I now work for Knowsley FACE and have since I become a sewing tutor.

10. 10.  What’s next for you? 

I am currently working on creating dance costumes with two of my classes for the dances that are being shown in the Shakespeare theatre later this year.

11. 11. Any other comments 

Knowsley Face gave me a career in teaching, and I will always be grateful for this.  I was a garment technologist in my previous career but due to family commitments I had to leave my trained career so becoming a sewing tutor I can share my passion and knowledge onto others.

Strategic Health & Education Manager Alex Horrocks adds: 

‘Sharon is absolutely the gold standard of what we aim to achieve here at Knowsley FACE. After enrolling on a sewing course 13 years ago Sharon has progressed through the service and gained qualifications with us that have enabled her to gain employment as a Tutor with ourselves.

Sharon is an extremely professional and dedicated tutor who is well liked by all of her learners. Sharon’s professionalism always shines through and this is particularly evident during observations & OFSTED inspections where Sharon has been rated as outstanding. As a service we are extremely proud of Sharon and her achievements, and it is a privilege to be able to help Sharon and be part of her Journey.’