Teaching assistant college course interview

[~Wingnut~]

Hi all!!!
I am hopefully going to college to attend the teaching assistant course. I have been told I will have to have an interview to get onto the course. I am bricking it to say the least!! I already work in a school (but in the kitchen) and I have spoken to the Headmaster and I have his full support as far as having a placement for the practical side of the course.
I don't have any other experience and I am really worried this is going to go against me at the interview, I have juggled around so much to try to do this course, I have even negotiated cutting my hours down at work so I can attend the course. I'm just petrified it's all going to go pearshaped at the last hurdle!
Anyone been for the TA course at college, what was the interview like?
Sorry for rambling, just starting to feel really anxious, excited, scared etc..
Thank you

[Gef]

This will probably be no help at all as I have no knowledge of the course you have applied for.

However, be prepared to emphasize your skills in working with other people. Try to think of a good example of where you have worked as a team/ helped solve a problem/been adaptable. Above all let your enthusiasm and personality shine through.

This is probably a load of rubbish and no help to your nerves at all but good luck!!!

[~Wingnut~]

Hi Gef!

Thank you so much for your post, it is more than helpful :o)
You reminded me of a situation I hadn't thought about that I could try to fit in the interview (providing I get one!)

Cheers :o)

[xx cutie xx]

whenever i've applied for a college course and had an interview it's been informal and it's not like an interview for a job. they just discuss the course, ask why you want to do it etc. it's not a case of being good enough for it, it's just to get an idea of you and you're qualifications and more often than not they accept you for courses though it is dependent on spaces. you have an interview whatever subject you're studying, all students have to have one to get on their course.
it's nothing at all to worry about, trust me!

[xx cutie xx]

** hope it goes well! **

[~Wingnut~]

Hi cutie :o)

Thank you for your reply. I know your right and that the likely hood of me getting on the course is probable, I just worry way too much! I suffer with anxiety although I have learnt to deal with it better and my confidence has grown a lot hence trying to go back to college. This is just one of my little faults where I think it is all going to go wrong at the last minute. The underlying thing here is that today I go back to work and it's either make or break for me, if the woman I work with says No I can't have the day off a week to attend the course then I will have to resign which financially is just going to be terrible but I need to break out of this rut and do something positive with my life. She isn't going to see it like this tho.
Sorry for rambling (again) and thank you for your kind words it has relieved a bit of apprehension :o)

[xx cutie xx]

i too worry too much about anything and everything to the point it makes me physically ill so i know how you're feeling! i hope your work understand your need of pursuing this career and as you work in a school it is likely they'll be supportive.
im starting a new job as a learning support assistant next week with no previous experience so im kind of in the same boat as you. i'll be training on the job though.
let us know how you get on and don't worry! :-D

[merched]

Hi Wingnut
First of all stop panicking!
At the age of 56 I lost my job after 20 years with a GP surgery. I always liked the idea of working with children so I approached the local JobCentre and enquired about training. I managed to get on a training course for an NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistant and 3 years later I work at the school where I did my placement. I didn't have any experience and I was convinced I would be considered too old. Just be yourself and explain you like the idea of helping children. You are already 2 steps ahead by getting the Headmaster's support and by working in the kitchen. Many of the people on my course were just like you. Good luck and I'd love to know how you get on.

[~Wingnut~]

Aww thanx merched :o)
I have found out my interview is tomorrow night at 7pm, I knew the college had their open day then so had an inkling it could be then. The letter says that we will have an interview get a chance to find out where the classroom is and to speak to others who have done the course and then we will enrol, so I'm kinda thinking that yes I will get on the course providing I think it is what I want to do. I feel a lot calmer now esp after yours, Gef's and xx cutie's xx posts :o) Thank you xx

Good luck for next week xx cutie xx

ps. Lady I work with was fine about me having the day off a week, she was really encouraging, so phew!

[merched]

Hello again, Wingnut.

You will be fine. If I may offer you some advice re the course, I found it VERY helpful to keep a diary of every activity I did with the children. You will need it as evidence, or to refer to, as you complete each unit. All the best for tomorrow.

[~Wingnut~]

That's an excellent idea merched, thank you :o)

I'll let you all know on here tomorrow night how I get on!

[mydogsandme]

xxcutie- how is your job going if you've started it? I also have just started in the same job and know how you feel!

[~Wingnut~]

Hi guys! I've just got back and it went really well! I really had nothing to worry about silly me!!! lol
I start on Monday and I am still apprehensive about the work and starting in the classroom but I am very excited! :o)

Thank you all again for your good advice :o)

[merched]

Hello Wingnut

Glad to hear everything went well. Enjoy the course, enjoy working with the children and if ever I can be of any help, just ask.

[~Wingnut~]

Thanx merched :o)
Induction is on Monday and I am off to see the Headmaster this morning about starting my practical experience so hopefully that will start next week also.
Excited, nervous & scared still lol I know how all the little one's starting school this week felt!

Thank you once again
Take Care
~Wingnut~