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The Sky’s the Limit for Joanne

Joanne Corbett

Joanne, a single mother of three, who was made redundant after a 15-year career, has landed her dream job after just one year of training. Joanne Corbett, 44, from Hartlepool is now flying all over the world with Thomas Cook Airlines after studying an NCFE Level 2 Certification in Introduction to Cabin Crew at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

Joanne said: “When I first started thinking of coming to the College to study to be Cabin Crew it was in response to big changes at work. I approached Nicola, one of the lecturers in Travel and Tourism at the College and asked her what was available. The initial step was to just start on the course and take it from there but soon found it was something that I really enjoyed. Every Wednesday I would come to class and it was like stepping into a different world. I’d come out of my comfort zone and I thought, I could potentially do this!”

Eventually, Jo accepted redundancy before focusing full time on achieving her dream by applying for jobs as Cabin Crew.  Jo said: “I had a couple of interviews but didn’t really think I would get anywhere. Then I got called in and offered a job. It was such a smooth transition you wouldn’t have been able to write it. I haven’t really come down from the adrenaline yet. I’ve just kept going and I haven’t had time to think. It will probably dawn on me at 32,000 feet one day. The training I undertook was absolutely gruelling. It was five weeks of long days at Newcastle Airport, but I really feel my time at the College was fantastic in preparing me for that training. It gave me a good grounding and a lot of the course content was specific for what I would be doing. I didn’t feel too threatened about going into the training just because of all of the background I already had. It built my confidence so much. Education isn’t age specific, anybody of any age can do it.”

Nicola Bird, Travel and Tourism Lecturer, said: “Jo came to the College with an open mind and totally embraced the qualification. She was enthusiastic every week, organised and prepared and up for the change the course could bring to her life. She enjoyed time to herself by coming to the College and meeting new people. In terms of her work she was meticulous and took all of the roleplays seriously and completely embraced the whole thing.In my eyes Jo is a role model to the younger people on the course, especially now she has gained employment. It’s all down to her dedication and hard work and I’m incredibly proud of her. Jo was brave enough to make the change and she should be admired.”

Jo, concluded: It’s a dream come true. I tell people when they ask what it’s like and how they can change their careers to just go for it. If I can do it, anybody can do it. I don’t know why people stop themselves. Just take the opportunity.A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought I would be doing this. It’s unbelievable and I thank Hartlepool College for everything they’ve done for me.”

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