Pasha Pugovka
Maritime
Trainee Deckhand (NPA Maritime Skills)
“Since joining SMA, I haven’t looked back! I’ve never doubted my decision to become a seafarer, as the opportunity for career growth has kept me motivated.”
Throughout our lives we have to make important decisions – one of these decisions is which subject, course and career path to choose!
One of the biggest decisions we face is what to do when we leave school, and what we want to do for a career. You may wonder how to get a good job, how to get back into the job market or how you can change your educational or professional path.
For some the choice is straightforward, but for most, knowing what to do next and how to achieve your goals is no easy task!
If you have some queries, or would like to discuss your options in more depth with one of our advisers, then please don’t hestiate to get in touch and organise a pre-entry guidance meeting.
Enquiries and appointments can be made by contacting your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk.
Our Open Day events take place twice every year, and are a great opportunity to visit the College campuses and chat to lecturers and curriculum staff, and student support teams, about the opportunities available at North East Scotland College.
Your My World of Work account will help you discover careers which match your skills, interests, education and experience. Tell us about your ambition and we’ll help you find out how you can work towards it. Find out what your strengths are, and how they can help you pick a career that will suit you.
If you are a parent looking for information, Skills Development Scotland has put together a website with up-to-date statistics on sectors that are set to grow. They’ve highlighted some industries that are on the rise, to help you explore where your child could go.
“Since joining SMA, I haven’t looked back! I’ve never doubted my decision to become a seafarer, as the opportunity for career growth has kept me motivated.”
“Being able to learn the theory and then apply it in a practical setting is really beneficial. I developed many skills from studying the Foundation Apprenticeship, communication, teamwork, and collaborative working, to name just a few.”
“The knowledge and practical skills I learned at NESCol have come into play with this role. I meet so many people from all over the world and take great satisfaction in recommending restaurants, activities, and experiences that will make their visit to Scotland an unforgettable one. “
“I have enjoyed every aspect of it: the practical, learning new techniques and knowledge, gaining great relationships with the College staff and other students. I wish I made this change sooner!”
“The lecturers’ different seafaring backgrounds and teaching styles have helped me understand the subjects better.”
“Studying at NESCol played an important part in shaping my career path. The course gave me a solid understanding of key topics such as customer service, air travel tour operations and marketing principles.”
“I like the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and my parents and lecturers have all commented on how I’ve grown in confidence. I’ve made new friends and look forward to coming to College each day.“
“I’m a practical person and after doing the construction course while I was still at school, I knew I wanted to get started in the industry. I’m enjoying learning and the lecturers are great, they’re helpful, friendly, and really encourage me. “
“I’ve had such a positive experience with the College and can’t recommend the workplace learning route highly enough. I think it’s important to recognise that there are various routes to achieving qualifications and this was the right path for me.”
“I loved attending NESCol, it’s a welcoming and supportive environment.”