From Passenger Assistant to Teaching Assistant: How One First Step Changed Meenu’s Career

Sometimes, taking the first step is all it takes to discover where you’re meant to be.

For Meenu, joining CE3’s Passenger Assistant Service (PAS) was the beginning of a journey that has led to a rewarding career supporting children in the classroom.

When Meenu first met Jayne at CE3, she was introduced to the role of a Passenger Assistant and immediately felt that working with children was something she would enjoy.

“I felt that I would enjoy working with children, so I decided to do the training and take up the role.”

Meenu signed up for CE3’s free three-day Passenger Assistant training and quickly discovered that she had made the right decision.

Feeling supported from day one

From the very first day of training, Meenu felt welcomed and supported by the CE3 team.

“I loved it from the first day itself. All the staff at CE3 were very supportive and I felt very comfortable coming for the training.”

With guidance from Lin throughout the course, Meenu felt equipped with the knowledge and confidence she needed to begin working as a Passenger Assistant.

That support continued once she started in the role.

“Whenever I had any concerns or doubts I could freely talk to the team and the CE3 team were always there to support and guide me. This made me feel comfortable and confident in my work.”

Making a difference on every journey

For Meenu, the most rewarding part of being a Passenger Assistant was the opportunity to support children and get to know them as individuals.

She particularly enjoyed helping children feel safe, comfortable and listened to during their journeys to and from school.

“I really liked making them feel comfortable during the journey. I enjoyed listening to their little talks and spending time with them.”

The role also gave Meenu the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of children's emotions and individual needs.

“I liked learning and understanding their emotions and making sure they feel safe, heard and comfortable.”

Seeing the children enjoy their journeys was one of the highlights of the role - and it was this experience that helped spark Meenu’s interest in supporting children in an educational setting.

From PA to the classroom

As part of her career progression, the CE3 team supported Meenu to take the next step and volunteer within a school.

Having spent time as a Passenger Assistant, Meenu was keen to understand more about how children were supported in school and how they were encouraged to develop their independence.

“When I got the opportunity to volunteer at the school, I was very happy. I was able to support the children using all the experience I had gained as a PA, along with the guidance and support given by the teachers and support staff.”

The volunteering experience proved to be a turning point for Meenu.

As she spent more time in the school environment, she realised just how much she enjoyed the work. When an opportunity arose to work as an LSA, Meenu decided to apply.

That first decision to train as a Passenger Assistant had opened the door to an entirely new career path.

Building confidence and discovering what she was capable of

Looking back, Meenu says her journey has had a huge impact not only professionally, but personally too.

“I had many fears and doubts about different jobs and different roles.”

Volunteering and working as a PA helped Meenu experience different environments, understand what she enjoyed and, most importantly, build her confidence.

“I would say my role as a Passenger Assistant gave me the confidence, courage and knowledge to understand what I really enjoy doing as a career.”

Today, Meenu is proud to be working as an LSA and supporting children in the classroom.

“I feel very proud and grateful to all my colleagues, the CE3 team and all the children. They make my day meaningful, because I feel that I am doing a great job and it makes me feel very happy from inside.”

One first step can lead somewhere unexpected

Meenu’s story is a great example of how working as a PA can become a stepping stone towards something more. What started with a three-day training course and a role has helped Meenu discover a career she loves - while giving her the confidence to overcome her fears and take the next step.

Her journey shows that you don't always need to know exactly where your career is heading. Sometimes, you just need the confidence to take that first step.

Could becoming a Passenger Assistant be your first step towards a new career?

CE3’s Passenger Assistant Service provides training, support and employment opportunities for people looking to work with children and young people on their journeys to and from school. With opportunities to develop your skills and explore future career pathways, becoming a PA could be the start of something much bigger.

Learn more about becoming a Passenger Assistant here