Kay gets bitten by the IT bug

To many mature students who did not have the opportunity to become familiar with the technology during their school days, the prospect of having to suddenly become proficient in the use of computers can be somewhat daunting.

"While I was studying for my Specialist Teacher’s Assistant qualification it became clear to me that I needed to improve my knowledge of computers," said Kay Douglas, 38, from Marske, who overcame her IT skills gap to achieve a BSc (Hons) degree course in Information Technology at the University of Teesside. Kay is one of a group of seven women who all completed a one-year, part-time access course at the University, designed for women, before embarking on the Information Technology degree. "I really enjoyed the access course, so I decided to move on to study for a degree," said Kay, who is a mother of two young boys, Robert, 10 and James, 13. "Becoming a full time student had a big impact on our family life, but my husband Gordon was very supportive," said Kay. "The IT facilities at the University are very good, particularly the library, and the tutors are very supportive," added Kay. "I spent my placement year at Huntsman Petrochemicals, providing specialist support IT to various departments, which I also found very useful." "I thoroughly recommend other people in a similar position who have the ability to go for it," added Kay.

For more information on the BSc (Hons) degree in Information Technology please call 01642 342639 or check the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk. The University’s School of Computing also offers the WELCOM course (Women’s Enterprise and Learning in Computing). The part-time course is exclusively for women, and aims to develop IT and communication skills and use of maths. European Social Funding and money for child care finance the course and a study allowance may be available. For more details call 01642 342649.

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