Digital Drop in and Work Club at BAEC

Life as an 'Influencer'

What does it actually take to walk away from a corporate career and build something entirely your own?

This week, Jill sits down with the brilliant Lucy Lord. Twice Sunday Times bestselling author, 187k Instagram followers, and someone landing in 80,000 inboxes every single week, who will be the first to tell you it didn't happen overnight.

Lucy opens up about making the leap from corporate life, finding the...

In this episode of Back to Work with Confidence, Jill Collier, podcaster and tutor at Bromley Adult Education College London, explores how to explain redundancy in a job interview clearly, confidently and professionally.

Being made redundant can feel personal, even when it was caused by restructuring, budget cuts or business changes. This episode offer...

In this episode, Jill welcomes Nick Travers, a qualified bus driver with Arriva, who shares his genuine passion for a career that many might overlook. Nick opens up about what makes bus driving so rewarding—from the daily interactions with passengers to the strong camaraderie among colleagues. It's clear that for Nick, this isn't just a job; it's...

Joining Jill today is Alex Anderson, Technical Co-Ordinator at Thames Water. What does it take to keep London’s water flowing? We discover how their commitment to staff development and maximising your transferable skills makes Thames Water a forward-thinking employer. From career progression to their wide-reaching London locations, learn why this organisation is a top choice for those seeking professional growth.

For more in...

In this episode, Jill is joined by Wendy Pearson, a Therapeutic Counsellor and Mentor who has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting young people. Her work began in schools, where she realised that some young people needed deeper, more personalised support than the school environment could offer. This insight led her to embark on her own learning journey, expanding her skills so she could provide direct mentoring, and now couns...

In this episode, Jill welcomes Samantha Powell, whose career journey is one many will relate to. Samantha began her working life in banking, seeking the security and stability of a traditional career path. However, she discovered that the corporate world left her creatively unfulfilled. What followed was an honest exploration through various roles as s...

In this episode, Jill welcomes Rebecca Bently, who brings extensive experience from years of working in housekeeping, cleaning, and care sector roles. Rebecca shares valuable insider knowledge about what it's really like working in these essential industries—from day-to-day responsibilities to the training and qualifications you'll need to get started and progress in your career.

In this episode, Jill welcomes Craig Hollinshead, an experienced Theatre Practitioner within the NHS, who shares insights from his dynamic healthcare career. Craig explores the diverse pathways available in nursing, from ward-based care and outpatient services to the specialised world of operating theatres. He discusses the exciting career progression opportunities available and how these can work alongside the demands of being a w...

Join Jill in this episode as she welcomes Yvonne Tomlin Miller, Head of Bromley Adult Education. Yvonne takes us through her personal story, reflecting on her school days and the transformative power adult education has had on her own life. Despite leaving school with limited qualifications, Yvonne's unwavering self-belief propelled her to remarkable achievements, including successful business ownership and her groundbreaking role ...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Lady Juliet Atako who has travelled the world helping women, children and any groups she can.  Lady Juliet has dedicated her life to making this world a better place sometimes through specific projects but mainly through volunteering.  Lady Juliet talks about volunteering for the Metropolitan Police and The Rotary Club.  If you are inspired by this phenomenal woman and would like to...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Lorena Braithwaite who shares her wealth of knowledge of working in the retail sector.  This a great career as it can be an option for school leavers, right the way through to any working age.  You get to speak to all different customers so no day is the same.  Retail gives the option of joining with minimal knowledge or as a graduate and beyond.   Do look at all the major...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Kev Muckle who works for the LAS (London Ambulance Service).  Kev knew he wanted to work for the emergency services from a young age, but life took him on another path for some years until his wife encouraged him to follow his heart. Kev has now been working for the LAS for nearly 17 years and is currently the Vaccine Manager and Paramedic for the Trust.  He started out in A&E Suppor...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Hannah Cole, a Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist.  Hannah is a highly successful PT who has helped many of her clients transform their health and wellbeing by introducing fitness into their lifestyle.  This includes bootcamps, spin classes, strength building sessions and in person or online 1-to-1 programmes.  Hannah discusses the various avenues she has travelled to get...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Paul Munday, an Admissions Officer for SOAS - a public research university in London, and a member institution of the federal University of London. Paul has not been afraid to try many options throughout his career from Banking and the Civil Service to extending his life skills by travelling and working in Australia.  But his life took him back to Education where he has worked for 14 years. P...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Darren Kirwin, Head of Bromley Adult Education (Interim). Darren talks insightfully about his career path, which has taken many different directions over the years.  From starting his working life in banking, Darren returned to college and qualified in a Fashion Textiles Course which took him onto Birmingham University.  Through hard work and skill, Darren got the amazing opportunit...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Tania Wanstall, Emmy nominated Special Effects Make-up Artist. Tania talks about her amazing career, working on so many major movies, and then how a medical operation didn't go as planned.  Suddenly in her 50's, Tania had to walk away from the only career she knew and look to re-train.  This has resulted in her returning to college and taking several qualifications to become a fantastic ...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Lisa Ferguson. Lisa started life in the corporate world, but 12 years ago setup her own beauty business "Allure by Lisa", predominantly for eyelash extensions.  Lisa ran this business in the evenings and weekends whilst still working full time in London.  As the business has grown (and so has her family!) Lisa has made her beauty business really work for her and give up her other career....

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Veronica Lee. Veronica has had a varied employed career that suited different times in her life, but four years ago she decided to setup "Go Walkies" her own dog walking business.  With hard work and reliability, Veronica is delighted to have a job that gets her out the house come rain or shine! She has grown her business to the size she wants, which gives her the personal touch with all her ...

In this Episode, Jill is joined by Olabunmi Odofin who is a qualified secondary school teacher in Nigera.  However, since moving to the UK she has been working as a teaching assistant.  Olabunmi shares her extensive knowledge on how you can become a teaching assistant and what the job involves.  She also shares information on if you are an existing qualified teacher abroad, how since February 2023 you are eligible to...