Sam takes first steps towards new career and future travel dreams

A part-time student is building a new career in counselling while working towards a long-term dream of ‘van life’.

Samantha Boyne, 41, returned to education through adult counselling courses at the College and has now progressed from an introductory Level 2 Counselling Skills course onto the Level 4 Counselling and Applied Psychology HNC programme starting in September.

Alongside studying, Samantha continues to run her self-employed dog grooming business while balancing family and work commitments.

Samantha said: “I really do love my job, but it’s hard work and I can’t see myself in another 20 years lifting dogs around.

“I’d wanted to do counselling for years, but I never felt like the timing was right before. Now it feels like the right time to challenge myself and work towards something new.

“I’m not naturally academic and I was really nervous about coming back into education, but the support from the tutors has been amazing and I’ve surprised myself with how well I’ve done.”

After first enrolling on a 11-week counselling course, Samantha quickly discovered a passion for learning and decided to continue progressing through to higher-level qualifications.

She is currently studying Level 3 Counselling Skills alongside her Level 2 English qualification and has secured a place on the Counselling and Applied Psychology HNC course to continue her studies.

Samantha hopes counselling will eventually open up flexible career opportunities that support her and her husband’s ambition to travel.

She said: “We’ve got a camper van and our dream is to eventually sell up and spend our time travelling.

“One of the things that really appealed to me about counselling is the flexibility. Since Covid, online counselling has become much more common, so it’s a career that could allow me to work remotely while travelling.”

As well as building a future career, Samantha says returning to education as an adult has boosted her confidence and given her a renewed sense of purpose.

She added: “It’s completely different to school because you’re learning something you genuinely want to do. It doesn’t feel forced and I actually enjoy learning now.

“There will always be reasons not to do something, but it’s never too late to start.”

At Barnsley College, we offer a range of adult courses and counselling qualifications designed to help learners gain new skills, change careers and progress into higher education or employment opportunities.

If you’d like to find out more about part-time courses for adults at Barnsley College, browse our part-time courses or speak to our Information, Advice and Guidance team about courses by emailing info@barnsley.ac.uk or calling 01226 216 123.