From Commercial Lawyer to Classroom Assistant

How the People 1st Classroom Assistant Academy Newtownards Helped Jonny Start a New Career!

Changing careers can feel overwhelming, especially after spending years building experience in a completely different profession. For Newtownards resident Jonny Mayner, however, taking that leap has led to a rewarding new career supporting children in the classroom.

After fifteen years working as a commercial lawyer and more than two decades in professional roles across retail, construction and law, Jonny reached a point where he wanted something different.

He was looking for a role that would provide a better balance with family life while also offering a stronger sense of purpose and fulfilment.

That search led him to the People 1st Classroom Assistant Academy, funded by Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership (LMP) and delivered to help local residents gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to begin a career supporting children and young people in schools.

Taking the Leap Into a New Career

Although Jonny had already been considering a move into education, making such a significant career change in his late forties was not a decision he took lightly.

“I’ll be honest, I was a bit wary,” explained Jonny.

“Changing career in my late forties felt like a leap and I knew some employers might struggle to understand why an ex-lawyer wanted to become a Classroom Assistant.”

Like many adults considering a career change, Jonny wanted reassurance that he was making the right decision. He also wanted to demonstrate to potential employers that he was serious about his new direction.

“I hoped the programme would give me the knowledge I needed, help me clarify my own thinking and show head teachers that I was genuinely committed to this new direction.”

Gaining Valuable Skills Through the Classroom Assistant Academy Netownards

The People 1st Classroom Assistant Academy provided Jonny with the opportunity to develop practical skills and sector-specific knowledge before stepping into a school environment.

Delivered primarily online, the programme included a combination of group learning sessions, smaller breakout discussions and specialist training designed to prepare participants for classroom support roles.

Among the most valuable aspects of the programme were the accredited qualifications and practical learning opportunities.

“The Paediatric First Aid course and Level 2 Safeguarding training were especially valuable—not just as qualifications, but as reassurance that I’d know what to do in common school situations.”

Jonny also found the programme’s focus on supporting children with additional needs particularly beneficial.

“The insights into special educational needs were incredibly helpful and have proved directly relevant in my current role.”

These skills gave Jonny confidence that he would be able to contribute effectively in a school setting while supporting pupils with a wide range of learning and emotional needs.

Getting Real Classroom Experience

Following completion of the programme, Jonny was eager to gain first-hand experience within a school environment.

Before the summer holidays, he secured a volunteer placement at a small school on the Ards Peninsula.

While he already believed he could perform the role, the experience helped confirm that he had found the right career path.

“When the programme finished, I volunteered for a week at a small school on the Ards Peninsula before the summer holidays.”

“I knew I could do the job, but I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. That week confirmed I was on the right path.”

This experience provided valuable insight into the realities of working in education and reinforced his decision to pursue classroom support as a long-term career.

Support Beyond the Classroom

One of the factors Jonny credits most heavily in his success is the mentoring and personalised support he received throughout the programme.

His mentor, Maria Baker-Ames, worked closely with him throughout his journey, offering encouragement, guidance and practical assistance as he prepared to enter the sector.

“My mentor at People 1st, Maria, was fantastic. She reached out to schools on my behalf, including ones I didn’t even know existed.”

The networking and employer engagement support provided through the programme helped Jonny access opportunities that may otherwise have been difficult to find.

“Thanks to that support, I secured my current Classroom Assistant post in a primary school in Newtownards right at the end of the summer.”

We would also like to thank Nicola Webster Pickett Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership and the wider team involved in supporting the academy and helping participants access new career opportunities.

Settling Into School Life

Transitioning from the legal profession to primary education was certainly a significant change.

However, Jonny found the move easier than he expected thanks to the welcoming environment within his school.

“The transition was smoother than I expected.”

“I’m sure a few people wondered why an ex-lawyer had suddenly turned up in their school, but everyone has been welcoming and understanding of the journey I’ve been on.”

Of course, there were some lighter adjustments too.

“One of the biggest adjustments was the dress code—corduroy slacks and cardigans are a long way from the three-piece suits and ties I used to wear.”

“But I’m far more comfortable now, in every sense.”

Making a Difference Every Day

Today, Jonny’s role centres around supporting children who need additional help to access learning and thrive within the school environment.

While there are challenges, the rewards make every day worthwhile.

“What I enjoy most are the days when I can see a child’s progress.”

“It’s not always linear; there are tough days when a pupil is dysregulated, aggressive or simply struggling. But as I often say, backward steps are part of the dance.”

The moments that stand out most are when children overcome those challenges and begin to flourish.

“And then there are the days when that same child is happy, regulated and enjoying school again.”

“Knowing I sometimes play a part in that is incredibly gratifying.”

Finding Purpose in a New Profession

Having spent more than twenty-five years working across several industries, Jonny says his new role offers a level of fulfilment unlike anything he experienced previously.

“After a quarter century in commercial roles across retail, construction and law, working in a school feels different—in the best possible way.”

“Supporting children who need a little extra help is fulfilling in a way none of my previous jobs ever were.”

His story demonstrates that career changes can be successful at any age and that the right support can help people confidently move into sectors they are passionate about.

The People 1st Difference

“The mentoring and behind-the-scenes support made a huge difference.”

“Maria’s encouragement, her practical help and the introductions she facilitated were invaluable.”

“I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am now without that support.”

Looking back, Jonny believes the support he received from People 1st while particpipating in the Classroom Assistant Academy Newtownards, was instrumental in helping him secure his new role.

Thinking About Becoming a Classroom Assistant?

For anyone considering a career in education or looking for a fresh start, Jonny has one simple piece of advice:

“Do it. Sign up and throw yourself into it.”

“Like most things in life, you get out what you put in and this programme has the potential to change your life, just as it changed mine.”

The People 1st Classroom Assistant Academy continues to support local people across Northern Ireland to gain new skills, build confidence and take the first steps towards rewarding careers working with children and young people.

Through partnerships such as Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership, participants receive access to training, mentoring, qualifications and employer connections that can help transform their future.

Thank you so much to Jonny for sharing his incredible story- that brave leap into a new career has really been so inspiring to read and we thank you for giving us this great insight into your journey!

You can read more stories of career change and development like Jonny’s on our case study page https://people-1st.co.uk/case-studies/ or visit the Academies programme page to find out more about what is happening in your area! https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/academies/