Bobbie Knowles

Bobbie Knowles, 49, had worked in the care sector for many years before she decided to return to education in order to progress her career.

She said, “I reached a time in my life where I really felt I had more to offer within the care sector and had always wanted to progress further. I had a conversation with my son about whether it was realistic for me to consider a return to further education, he very much encouraged me to apply.”

So in 2017, Bobbie submitted an application for Social Care Level 5 at North East Scotland College – and she has never looked back. She progressed onto the level 6 course, and finally onto the HNC Social Services course in 2019.

Despite initial worries about returning to education, Bobbie found her college experience to be one which was overwhelmingly positive.

She said, “The lecturers, and my fellow students have made my time at college hugely rewarding in terms of support, guidance, encouragement, friendships, a cohort of people with a passion and vocation for Social work.

“College is more than just academia; it is a community of like-minded people with the same passion in their chosen career path. A place to build a foundation of friends who will always understand the stresses and the highs and lows when at times feeling overwhelmed.”

During her Level 6 year, Bobbie was awarded the “Lecturers’ Choice” award at the care faculty awards ceremomy, which she says is one of her highlights at NESCol. Another highlight was this year when she applied through the College’s Degree Link pathway for a place in year 2 of BA (Hons) Social Work at RGU and was given a conditional offer.

She said, “College, without question, has enabled me to progress further than I had ever anticipated. University was not my intention, but with the immense guidance and support from my lecturers throughout my three years at NEScol, this has now become my reality. To progress and succeed comes hard work and commitment, both of which are achievable and encouraged by the lecturing staff.

“I would absolutely encourage anyone who has a passion for Social care to follow their aspirations and gain their first steps into their chosen career path at NEScol. It is a wonderful academic and motivational course that will be hard work, but, with commitment, rewards with achieving your HNC and the opportunity to progress into 2^nd year at RGU.

“NEScol is an enriching learning environment where staff go above and beyond to ensure you experience great learning and understanding and also support YOU as an individual, encouraging you work to your full potential and achieve great things.”

Bobbie hopes to complete her degree at RGU and progress into the world of work.