20-year-old Shania Thom has completed her HNC Childhood Practice and is ready to start a career in childcare as an Early Years Practitioner.

Shania came straight from S4 at Banff Academy to NESCol in 2020. Shania has dyslexia which made school difficult, so she decided it was time for her to leave and continue her learning at College.

Initially, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to study. However, after looking at courses on the NESCol website, she realised that childcare would suit her skills.

Shania had enjoyed helping out with the pupils in her school’s Additional Support for Learning (ASL) department during breaks in her timetable, so childcare appealed to her caring nature.

Shania first applied for the SCQF Level 5 Childcare & Development course, but lecturers recommended she start with the SCQF Level 4 Introduction to Childcare course. This turned out to be a better fit, especially as she joined College during the uncertain times of the Covid pandemic.

She said: “The lecturers at NESCol help you work your way up, starting at the right level for you.”

The introductory course allowed Shania to build up a foundation of knowledge before progressing on to further levels of study.

A different learning environment

She found that she preferred learning in a College environment more than she had in school.

She said: “I enjoyed the freedom of College as everything is more relaxed than in school. There is a lot more support and you’re treated like an individual and an adult.

“I struggled with school and all the different subjects you had to learn – it was overwhelming. I found it a lot better to focus on one course. I also had one day a week for studying so I had time to do my work.”

Studying childcare  at NESCol

Shania completed childcare courses at SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6, before achieving her HNC Childhood Practice this year. NESCol staff were a huge source of help and encouragement for Shania throughout her studies.

She said: “Lots of my lecturers have really supported me and I’ve grown bonds with them. I had three or four lecturers with me for my whole time at College and this helped as they understood me and how I write and they accepted me for that.

“They want to help you if you’re struggling, even if you don’t tell them. For example, if your work is late, they want to find out if there’s anything going on that you need help with.

“The Student Advice Centre also provided me with support for my dyslexia.”

Shania graduated from NESCol on 21 September 2024 at Fraserburgh Campus. She was also chosen as the winner for the Rotary (Endevour) Award, in recognition of her outstanding dedication to her course, academic success, and willingness to help her classmates.

Currently working with Flexible Children Scotland at the weekend, Shania is on the lookout for her first full-time Early Years Practitioner role.

She said: “I’d like to be a Childcare Practitioner for now, but one day I’d consider doing a management course so I could go into a Lead Practitioner or Nursery Manager role.

“I’d also be interested in working as a Nursery Nurse in a hospital environment.”

The nurturing College community

Shania has had an extremely positive College experience.

She said: “I would definitely recommend studying at NESCol. The College environment is welcoming, and the community is diverse with different cultures and ages.

“The information you get sent to you before you start is helpful, and the amount of support available for dyslexia, mental health and funding is also great.

“There are so many courses and opportunities at NESCol.”

Shania’s advice to future students

For those thinking of coming to College, Shania’s advice is to seek guidance to find a course that matches your interests and is at the right level of study for you.

She said: “Just have a look on the NESCol website and all the courses. It’s really easy to contact the College and speak through your options if you don’t know what you want to do.”