1. How did you first come across Alison?
I first came across Alison on TikTok. That was where I discovered I could study online for free and build skills relevant to my career.
2. What did you study? List the courses and tell us why you studied those courses in particular.
I studied courses related to food safety, quality management, and auditing to complement my practical experience in the food industry with internationally recognised knowledge.
I studied HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) to strengthen my understanding of food safety systems and improve my ability to identify, prevent, and control food safety hazards in professional kitchens and food production environments.
I also studied ISO 22000:2018 - Food Safety Management System to better understand international food safety standards and to learn how to implement and maintain an effective Food Safety Management System in food service operations.
Another important course for me was ISO 19011 - Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems. I chose this because I wanted to develop auditing skills, understand how audits are planned and carried out, and improve my ability to evaluate management systems objectively and effectively.
These courses were especially important to me because I have more than 12 years of experience in the food industry as a cook, sous chef, and kitchen manager. I wanted to bring together my hands-on experience with structured learning that could help me grow professionally and prepare for new leadership opportunities in food safety, quality, and operations.
3. How has learning on Alison helped your career?
Learning on Alison helped me turn a difficult period in my career into an opportunity for growth. After losing my job, I decided to invest my time in developing new skills instead of giving up.
The courses I completed strengthened my knowledge of food safety, quality management, and auditing. They also gave me internationally recognised certifications that enhanced my CV and increased my confidence when applying for new positions.
Beyond the certificates, Alison reminded me that continuous learning is one of the most valuable investments anyone can make. It has prepared me for leadership roles in food production, quality assurance, and food safety, and given me the confidence to pursue new career opportunities with a stronger professional profile.
For me, Alison was more than an online learning platform. It became a stepping stone toward the next chapter of my career.
4. What advice would you give to others who have not yet found Alison or who have not found out about learning online for free?
My advice is simple: never stop learning, no matter where you are in your career or life. Free online learning can open doors you may not have imagined and help you develop valuable skills at your own pace.
Alison showed me that high-quality education can be accessible regardless of financial circumstances. Every course you complete is an investment in yourself, and every new skill can increase your confidence and your opportunities.
If you are thinking about taking your first online course, do not wait. Start today. The knowledge you gain could help with your next job, a promotion, or even a new career path. Continuous learning is one of the best decisions you can make for your future.
