Meet the Team
Becky Tomkins, Project Lead
My job is:
...I set up, run and oversee the GROWS Uni Connect programme in Gloucestershire
I love working for GROWS because…
...I have seen it evolve from an idea into a successful and supportive programme of activities and events that really do inspire young people about their future options.
I studied:
Geography and Sociology at the University of Gloucestershire
If I could choose my FE and HE options now I would…
...think a bit more about what’s out there, and not follow the crowd, research a bit more on courses and not just carry on from my A-levels with the same subjects.
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Catherine Wilks, Widening Participation Officer
My job is:
I put together and deliver activities and resources to help young people and their parents find out more about their future options when they turn 16 and 18, with a particular focus on university.
I love working for GROWS because…
...I love doing a job that can make a difference to someone's life and their future.
I studied:
Education Studies and History at Keele University.
If I could choose my FE and HE options now I would…
...probably do something I'd never done before! I chose History because I did it at A-Level but I wish now I had chosen something I hadn't done so I could learn about a new subject area.
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Ania Hartsoe, Progression Advisor
My job is:
I meet with students in Years 9 - 12 to explore career ideas and talk about their plans after school.
I love working for GROWS because...
...I get to support young people in making better-informed decisions about their future.
I studied:
International Trade at Lodz University
If I could choose my FE and HE options now I would...
...most likely study linguistics which is the scientific study of human language. I love learning languages and find things like grammar, phonetics or sentence and word structure fascinating!
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Claire Cookson, Data and Evaluation Officer
My job is:
I help look after the data we collect, including the analysis and reporting. l put together surveys and run focus groups to find out what students think about going to university and the activities we provide.
I love working for GROWS because...
...it is very satisfying to know that the data we collect and analyse about students' experiences can help improve what we do and potentially change someone's life.
I studied:
Geography at the University of Gloucestershire
If I could choose my FE and HE options now I would...
...try something new. There are so many more interesting subjects and courses to study now compared to when I was at school.
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Karen Fenton, Data and Finance Assistant
My Job is:
I process the data that we collect from schools into our spreadsheets and databases. I also create and track the Purchase Orders in our finance system.
I love working for GROWS because...
...it is a friendly team, and everyone is enthusiastic about our ambition to help and support students' future choices.
I studied:
Modern History at The University of Wales, Lampeter
If I could choose my FE and HE options now I would....
... still study History as I loved my degree, however there is so much more information and choice out there now. I may have chosen art history or museum studies and gone down a different career path as a result. It is worth researching all the options available around your favourite subject as you never know what might inspire you.
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Renetta Jones, Widening Participation Officer
My job is:
I put together and deliver activities and resources to help young people and their parents find out more about their future options when they turn 16 and 18, with a particular focus on University.
I love working for GROWS because...
...I get to motivate and inspire students that may come up against the same barriers I once faced.
I studied:
Social Policy, Criminology and Criminal Justice at Swansea University
If I could choose my FE and HE options now I would...
...Do a nursing degree and would work as a Medical Aesthetician, specialising in skin concerns or I'd study Performing Arts and become a Singer.
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