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After 35 years of frontline police work, Rodrick wasn’t ready to slow down. Instead, he found a new passion in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Preparing for Life Beyond the Badge
“I asked myself, ‘What am I going to do when I leave the police?’ ” Rodrick explains, “I wanted to better myself, to gain qualifications and find a new purpose.”
Rodrick began his learning journey with Level 2 and 3 online courses, testing the waters to see if studying later in life was feasible. “It was just a tester at my age. I needed to know if I could study again.”
Having found his rhythm, Rodrick started looking for a Level 4 course, eventually discovering the Association of Learning.
“You came up in a search and I thought, ‘That’s a fantastic price,’ especially with the discount code. So I jumped in.”
Embracing the Challenges of Online Learning
Despite having decades of experience working with people in high-pressure situations, going back to study wasn’t without its challenges.
“When you’re first starting to study at a later date, the Harvard system, referencing, and analysis are a bit more complicated.”
But Rodrick stuck with it. “I managed to get into it, stuck in, and I passed. Then I went on to Level 5.”
His tutor, James, was a key part of that journey. “He was fantastic. Supportive in every way. We were on the same wavelength. I’d ask about referencing or condensing an assignment question, and he just knew how to steer me in the right direction.”
Transferrable Skills and Future Ambitions
The parallels between his career in policing and his new path in counselling quickly became clear.
“I’ve dealt with members of the public in all sorts of situations. The counselling clicked because of all the experience I’ve got under my belt.”
Rodrick now plans to set up his own practice or find a counselling role within an organisation. “People keep telling me I’ve got transferrable skills. With 35 years in the police and my Level 5 qualification, I think I’m pretty well set up.”
Advice for Other Learners
When asked what advice he’d give to new learners, especially those unfamiliar with online learning, Rodrick is quick to offer insight:
“You’ve got to know what you’re going into and why you’re doing it. If it’s not your bag, you won’t absorb the information. But if it is? You’ll fly.”
He also acknowledges the technical learning curve. “Gathering information, referencing, condensing analysis – it’s time-consuming. But tools like grammar checkers help, and once you get stuck in, it becomes part of your flow.”
Would Rodrick recommend Association of Learning?
“Definitely,” he says without hesitation.
“When colleagues or well-being officers ask where I studied, I always mention the Association of Learning. The price is fantastic, the tutors are brilliant, and it’s interest-free payments. It just works.”
Thinking About Counselling or Psychotherapy?
Rodrick’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, learn new skills, and find a second calling. From the police beat to the therapy room, he’s proving that meaningful career shifts are possible at any stage of life.
If you’re considering a future in counselling or psychotherapy, you can explore course information and the most up-to-date pricing here.
Alternatively, feel free to reach out via our contact page – we’re happy to help you get started!
0333 344 2126