From Film Student to Future Educator: Lewis Evans Finds His Purpose at UWTSD

When Lewis Evans first came to UWTSD in 2020, he was taking a leap of faith. Having never considered university as an option after struggling at school, he enrolled on the BA Film & TV programme following the loss of his retail job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Choosing to study something he was genuinely passionate about proved to be a turning point.

After graduating in 2023, Lewis returned to retail while continuing to pursue filmmaking. Wanting a career that combined his creative interests with a greater sense of purpose, he returned to UWTSD in 2025 to study the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education for Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET). Today he is graduating for a second time!

“I wanted to find my ‘why’,” Lewis explains. “I’d worked hard in every job I’d had, but I wanted to find something that felt meaningful. Training colleagues at work made me realise that teaching could be the career I was looking for.”

The PCET programme appealed to Lewis because of its balance of theory and practical teaching, its small, supportive cohort, and the opportunity to complete a 100-hour teaching placement. He chose to undertake his placement on the BA Film & TV course he had previously studied, giving him the chance to return as a lecturer and support students following a similar path.

His placement quickly became one of the highlights of the course.

“It was incredibly rewarding to feel that I had made a genuine positive impact on the students I taught. The feedback and gratitude I received is something I’m really proud of.”

Lewis also credits the support of his mentors and fellow students for making the experience so positive. Professional development opportunities throughout the course, including training in mental health support, emergency first aid, technology-enhanced learning and exploring international approaches to teaching, further broadened his skills and confidence.

As part of the programme’s action research module, Lewis investigated how different learner preferences influence students’ expectations of university teaching. By adapting his lessons to place greater emphasis on practical activities before introducing theory, he saw a noticeable improvement in student engagement, an experience that has inspired him to continue exploring educational research within creative disciplines such as filmmaking and creative writing.

Balancing academic work alongside employment and personal commitments was one of the biggest challenges Lewis faced, along with overcoming imposter syndrome. Breaking assignments into smaller, achievable tasks and making full use of the support offered by tutors helped him stay on track.

“The mentors were incredibly supportive, both professionally and personally. I’d encourage anyone who is struggling at university to reach out and use the support that’s available, don’t suffer in silence.”

Lewis’s hard work paid off when he achieved the Distinction he had set as a personal goal.

Looking back, he describes the PCET programme as the most academically challenging course he has undertaken, but also the most rewarding.

“The programme has helped me develop the confidence and skills to lead a classroom and create positive learning environments. I know I still have plenty to learn, but I now feel ready to pursue a career in education.”

Now seeking teaching opportunities, Lewis plans to continue developing both his educational practice and his passion for filmmaking. He is also learning Welsh, with the ambition of encouraging future student filmmakers to celebrate their Welsh identity through their creative work.

“I’d highly recommend the PCET programme to anyone considering a career in post-compulsory education. It’s engaging, challenging and full of opportunities for both personal and professional development. The support from the staff has been outstanding, and it’s been an experience that has genuinely transformed my confidence and career aspirations.”

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071