Craig Scott: Online Training with a Work/Life Balance

Craig Scott recently took CSWIP 3.1 at TWI, so we took the chance to interview him and get his thoughts on his experience of training with us.

Diving into the conversation, Craig talked about his career journey so far, explaining that he is a welding tutor in the engineering department at Riverside College in Widnes. His role involves teaching level 2 and level 3, delivering practical and theory welding to full-time students. In addition to these, he also covers the 'Introduction to Welding' course and City and Guilds Level 2 MIG/MAG and TIG for adult learners.

Craig absolutely loves his work and feels at his most comfortable when he is teaching, whether it is practical or theory based. He says a big chunk of the contentment comes from the support of his colleagues, especially his manager, who is really supportive of his ideas.

He said that, like most people, he believes that his job should not impact the work/life balance negatively, but added that, “However, I think there is an ‘in between’ area where those who love their work, allow themselves to do some work in their non-work time. I am one of them,” adding,” If this is purely for the love of their work then I would argue that it is not necessarily a negative, as some people enjoy this. I think this is a very important point to make. However, there is always a threshold where it may affect your home life and one needs to be very aware of when this is. ”

Talking about taking the CSWIP 3.1 course with TWI, Craig admitted that it is a course that he had been contemplating taking for a few years now. However, he was not able to manage 5 days on-site at the same time, but, when the online opportunity presented itself, he was able to fit it into his schedule.

Craig revealed that the training will allow him to perform his role as a tutor better than before, since he is going to have greater insight and a deeper knowledge to communicate to his next batch of students.

“I found the course content extremely interesting and well explained,” Craig said, “I feel that I have learned a great deal and have done so at my own pace which, for some, is a very important part of learning.”

This is backed up by Craig’s LinkedIn post from during his training, where he stated, “I am really, really enjoying doing my TWI UK – Training and Examination Services CSWIP 3.1 training online. I have been wanting to do it for a while but the advantage for me now is that, I can fit it in around my busy schedule - the ability to hop on to it when I can suits me perfectly. I have long been an advocate for online and blended learning with the facility to learn at your own pace.”
Adding, “Is CSWIP 3.1 easy? No. Have I learned a lot? Yes! Is it explained well? In my opinion, perfectly.”

While he seems to be satisfied with his experience of the CSWIP 3.1 course, Craig is now looking to continue expanding his skills and knowledge with the Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing (PCN).