Ferguslie Learning Center Booklet August 2018 - web

Read for yourself how Ferguslie can change lives.
41 year-old Kirsty Cairns was keen
to take her career in a new direction
One year on she is now working
towards completing her HNC in
Childhood Practice
Kirsty said, “I knew of the Ferguslie Learning Centre but
hadn’t really given it any consideration as I wasn’t sure
if it was for me. I had seen that the College offered an
online course ‘Caring for Children’ which would help me
gain a qualification that would help me take my career to
the next level, but with no access to computer at home I
wasn’t in the position to pursue it.”
After expressing her interest in the course to Kathleen
at the Ferguslie Learning Centre, Kathleen arranged for
Kirsty to do the course through the centre, allowing her to
use the centre facilities.
Since completing the course, Kirsty has went on to secure
employment at Hillview Nursery and is now working
towards completing her qualification.
My advice to anyone
contemplating a change would
be that nothing is out of your
reach, just give it a bash
Kirsty said, “Doing the course at Ferguslie has definitely
helped me to get to where I am now. If I hadn’t completed
the course I wouldn’t be in the job that I am now and I
wouldn’t now be working towards becoming a qualified
Pre 5 Practitioner.
‘My advice to anyone contemplating a change would
be that nothing is out of your reach, just give it a bash
and see where it takes you. Even if you have kids and
struggling to juggle it all, don’t think it’s impossible as
everything is possible if you want it.
Single Mum to four children, 29 year
old Maryann Wright from Paisley
tells us her story….
“I wanted to do something that would get me out of
the house so I went along to the open day to learn more
about the courses on offer. ‘It had been ten years since I
had been in an educational setting so I was nervous about
starting; but I needn’t have been. Everyone is in the same
boat and all a bit anxious so we were all in good company.
‘It’s been an invaluable experience, which has not only
enabled me to gain a qualification but it’s given me the
confidence and life skills that I can use in everyday life.
Having completed the Level 4 Childcare course with ease
Maryann was keen to challenge herself further, continuing
this year with Level 5.
“I really enjoyed the course but felt that bits of it were
maybe a bit easy for me, so I was delighted when they
introduced the Level 5 this year as I want to push and
prepare myself for fulltime study when my youngest
starts school.
‘The Ferguslie Learning centre is a fantastic platform for
anyone wanting to get back into learning and wanting to
engage with others. It’s one morning a week which is ideal
for people like myself with children.”
Not one to boast about her achievements, Maryann is
quietly proud of all she accomplished so far.
“I guess I am proud of just how far I’ve come over the last
few years. It’s not been easy juggling the children and
study but all the hard work has been worth it. I’ve grown in
so many ways and hope that this is only the start of what
is to come.
‘The ultimate
goal is to gain
employment
which will let me
provide a better
life for my kids.
Not only do I hope
to take them on
holiday but I hope
to inspire them to
want to do better
and to realise
that anything is
achievable with a
bit of hard work.”
Pictured:
Maryann Wright