Tiffany Burnett

Tiffany Burnett’s ambition to work in social care was inspired by the social workers who made a huge difference to her life as she grew up as a care experienced young person. Through hard work and determination, she is now studying HNC Social Services at North East Scotland College.

“The support I received from social workers really inspired me to want to make a difference for others,” she said.

After leaving school at 16, Tiffany (now 24) worked in hospitality while raising her son Charlie, but she never lost sight of her career ambition. In order to gain relevant experience, she began volunteering for two local charities – Homestart and Befriend a Child – where she was able to make positive changes to the lives of others.

She also began to think about returning to education, and enrolled on Part Time courses at North East Scotland College, in a range of subjects including Mental Health and Caring for People with Autism – only inspiring her further to pursue Social Care as a full time course.

Around the same time as submitting her application to College, Tiffany found out about a position at the City Council as a Children’s Rights Development Assistant, which she was encouraged to apply for by friends.

She was offered the job and began working with care experienced young people aged 16-26, advocating for them and helping to set up initiatives like a clothing bank and a mobile phone bank – all while starting her studies on NC Social Care (SCQF level 5) and looking after her son.

“Charlie was 5 when I started College. He started P1 and two days later I started College, so we were both learning new things at the same time. It’s been such an amazing journey for us both, doing it together. He encourages me every day.”

Not one to shy from hard work, Tiffany also began volunteering for the Aberdeen Care Experienced (ACE) Group and joined the Aberdeen Champions Board, which is made up of professionals from different organisations who have the power to make positive changes for young people.

“As part of ACE, young people come along and we’ll have food and relax; we’ll have movie nights, and we’ll discuss more serious issues that we actually want to raise at our champions board as well – and we can support them with a range of issues. It’s a really amazing opportunity.”

How does she manage the workload between employment, volunteering and studying? For Tiffany, it’s a positive experience.

“All the things I do – from work to volunteering to College – transfer really easily. At College I get to write about my own experiences and use the knowledge I have gained from working with care experienced young people, and when I look at my work and any issues I face, I can relate that back to what I’ve been learning in College.”

Tiffany progressed from her level 5 Social Care course to the level 6 course, and is now studying her HNC in Social Work – and she has enjoyed every step of her education journey.

“Every day is an interesting day and you can find your own little highlights in amongst each day at College. We’ve got a really good support network from our lecturers as well – they are amazing.

“I’ve really enjoyed everything about the course. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first started because it had been a long time since I had been in education, but since coming back to College I’ve really enjoyed learning all of the subjects – even the ones that are more difficult.”

Once she completes her HNC, Tiffany hopes to use the Degree Link Pathway to progress to university, where she will work towards becoming a social worker – achieving the ambition she has had since she was a teenager. She also hopes her story will inspire other young people from care experienced backgrounds, and show them that success is possible.

“I left school with no qualifications. There’s no shame in waiting until you are ready to start studying. College really allows you to achieve your goals, no matter what background or qualifications you have. Now I feel like the world is my oyster, and I’m excited to see where my career will end up.”

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