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Counsellor

Alec Gray ~ Transforming Lives Profile

Aspiring counsellor Alec Gray, 48 ex St.Hilds (formerly Henry Smiths School) student, has turned his life around with the help of the College. Currently enrolled on the L2 Counselling course here at Hartlepool College, Alec, decided to start Transforming his life in 2017. At the time, Alec had been a self-employed taxi driver for almost 20 years and thought it was time to follow his passion and do what he had always wanted to do, before it was too late.  

With a desire to help people, Alec gained a position as a housing support worker giving vulnerable people a voice. This gave him the inspiration to apply for a counselling course, that would assist his progress, and further his career. It was on the counselling course that Alec met lecturer, Sarah Ashley and started to excel in his new field.

Alec reflected: "The course is great, and our tutor Sarah is so helpful. We all got along brilliantly in the class. One of the students created a WhatsApp group to communicate with each other and check in on each other and make sure people are okay. I made new friends and it is one of the best things I have ever done.”

During the course, the contract for Alec’s job came to an end, undeterred Alec went on the job search and his newly enhanced CV secured him a new position as an Advocate at Voicability in Middlesbrough.

This came as no surprise to his tutor, Sarah Ashley, she said "Alec is a real people person, he cares about others and is dedicated to learning new skills within counselling to help with his journey. It is easy to see that Alec has really enjoyed the course this year. He has shared his experiences from a work setting within group discussions which helps others within group to see different perspectives of counselling."

As we approach the new academic year Alec had a message for other adults out there that are pondering their next career step, “I would recommend it to anyone if you are thinking of going to college but for whatever reason keep putting it off. Give Hartlepool College a call for a chat and I promise you will not regret it."

At Hartlepool College we have been transforming lives, Just like Alec, since 1849. Check out our adult guide for all course information >> https://bit.ly/hcfetlives

Or to follow in Alec’s footsteps on the counselling course here at Hartlepool College, apply now >> https://bit.ly/hcfecounselling

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