Duncan Pirie

Not many people can claim they’ve changed their career goals from opera singer to social worker, but Duncan Pirie has had both on his bucket list.

When he left school, talented singer Duncan originally wanted to study music, in particular operatic studies, and attended auditions at several music schools across the UK.  This, however, was not to be, and he ended up taking administration jobs in the oil and gas sector before joining Albyn Hospital to help organise referral appointments.

While he was growing up, Duncan had been given an insight into working in the care industry through his relatives’ caring responsibilities and employment.  He said, “As well as music schools, I had also applied for a place to study Social Care at North East Scotland College and received an unconditional place but didn’t feel ready to take it up at that time.”

In 2017, Duncan felt that it was time to take the plunge and successfully applied once again for a place on the HNC Social Services at North East Scotland College.

Duncan, who also managed to fit in part-time work as a support worker alongside his studies, enjoyed his year studying at NESCol – particularly his placement.  He said, “The lecturers are really helpful and understanding, and all of the people in my class get on really well.”

“I spent 12 hours a week on placement throughout my course and for my Graded Unit, I have been leading a football-based activity at the Len Ironside Centre in Mastrick.”

Duncan hopes to use his qualification to progress to university and eventually become a social worker.  He said, “As a social worker, I feel that I would be able to give something back to the community and would be able to draw on my own experiences to help the people I am able to work with.  Social work is a stable job and one I think that will always be needed so it is attractive from a career point of view too.”