Life begins at 50 for Bernard Parsley

Date article online: 21/05/2008

After being involved in a serious accident in 2004, Bernard Parsley found himself unemployed for nearly 3 years having been forced to leave his job as an Engineer. But he's now training the budding engineers of the future in his new role as an NVQ Assessor.
"I couldn't go back to work after the accident, so I had to leave my job," said Bernard, but after speaking to his local Job Centre Plus he was put in touch with an advisor at the Shaw Trust. They provide help and support for the disabled or health problems.

To brush up his computer skills he completed the European Computer Driving Licence qualification, but when staff heard about his previous career as an engineer they encouraged him to put his skills to good use, helping the young engineers of the future as an NVQ Level 2 Assessor in Engineering.

The training was free of charge, financed by the Kingsway Bursary, which provides funding for basic courses across the borough. 

Mr Parsley admits he was sceptical, but says he has really benefited from the support he's received: "They have helped boost my confidence and made me realise that there are lots of opportunities out there. Not being an engineer anymore doesn't mean the end of my career. I have a good deal of experience that I can pass on to the next generation."

He's now considering further training so he can assess Level 3 NVQ students, but for the moment he's happy with his job at Peter Banner Framing: "I make picture frames in all sizes and really enjoy it; the atmosphere is really relaxed and everyone's so friendly."

Mr Parsley, who has lived in Rochdale for nearly 15 years, says he has really developed his people skills during the training: "Gaining my qualification as an assessor has given me a lot more options now, and given me the confidence to move forward."

Jean Clegg from the Shaw Trust said Mr Parsley is a delight to work with: "He's so positive, and really proved just how far you can go by furthering your education. There is a wealth of support out there, whatever you want to do there'll be a course to suit."

When he's not busy at work, Mr Parsley enjoys the great outdoors, fishing and walking his dog.