Aaron Lands Permanent Learning Support Assistant Role at South Devon College

July 14th, 2026 by Dawn Gillingwater | Posted in News |

Congratulations to Aaron on securing a paid, permanent role as a Learning Support Assistant at South Devon College.
Aaron will be working within the college’s Learning Opportunities Department, which supports people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
He starts the role in September, working three days a week and is delighted to have been offered the position.
“I applied for it, a week later went for the interview, and then three hours after I got the phone call to say I got the job,” Aaron said excitedly.
“It feels amazing. I feel chuffed.
“I’ll be a Learning Support Assistant, helping the teachers and supporting students in lessons.”

South Devon College

Aaron’s new role is particularly meaningful as he was previously a student at South Devon College. He completed vocational taster courses, followed by a year on the Bridge to Work programme and a supported internship placement.
Now, he hopes to use his own experiences to help others.
“I want to use my own experience within the special educational needs sector and help others accomplish what they want,” he said.
Aaron will travel independently to work by bus, something he is already used to, and is ready for this new chapter.
“I’m looking forward to working with the staff because they are excellent and supportive,” he said. “They make everyone feel welcome. They make sure students feel safe and they learn to the best of their ability.”

Shared Lives Carer

His Shared Lives Carer, Ruth Beadle, was thrilled when she heard the news.
“I called her because she was on her way back from a friend’s house,” Aaron said. “She said, ‘I need to find a rooftop to go and shout out.’”
The pair celebrated the achievement with a meal out, which also happened to coincide with Ruth’s birthday, making it a double celebration.
When asked what advice he would give others preparing for a job interview, Aaron said:
“I’d say answer every interview question without just saying yes or no.
“Go into detail, but not too much detail, and dress well for your interview.”
Aaron has lived with Ruth for ten years, spending many of those years in a foster placement before transitioning to Shared Lives.
His journey from student to employee is an inspiring example of how determination, support and opportunity can help people achieve their goals.