Alumni Spotlight - Adie Shepherd
If you’re looking to gain a recognised qualification in Social Services, without studying full time, our SVQ3 Social Services (Children and Young People) allows you to do this with on-the-job training. Having recently completed the qualification, Adie chats to us about his experience.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Adie Shepherd, and I am a Young Carer Support Worker from Perth and Kinross Council - based in the Children and Disability team.
What qualification did you complete with Perth College UHI?
The qualification I completed with Perth College UHI is the Social Services (Children and Young People_ SCQF Level 7.
Why did you decide to gain a qualification through Perth College UHI?
As I sit within a social work team, I am keen to expand my experience and knowledge within this field of supporting families within Perth and Kinross. I find it important to put myself forward for new learning experiences to gain a better understanding within my team. I support Young Carers who may have social work involvement.
How did you hear about the course?
This course was brought to my attention through my team leader, who recommended I enrolled. This was to provide an extra qualification that will benefit my journey to becoming a social worker in the future.
Completing a qualification and working full time can be difficult to juggle – can you describe any challenges you have faced and how you managed to overcome them?
During the pandemic, we were working from home most of the time, which cut out travel time. I found that I could then use this time towards my studies for this course, as it was difficult to allocate time during the working week.
How have you found the style of teaching and the support you have received from your trainer, employer, and assessors?
My assessor, Fiona, was extremely helpful and took a lot of her time to respond to any queries and questions I had during the course. This course involved a lot of evidencing and Fiona was very quick to respond to anything I required help with.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments?
I felt that the majority of work for this course was written, however having a shadowing experience from my assessor allowed me to demonstrate my work, which was then discussed afterwards, highlighting the points that catered to the completion of my course. I felt this was a good balance with evidencing standards.
How do you feel your qualification will help you in your career progression? What are your career goals and plans?
This qualification has now given me the opportunity to be eligible for new positions in the social work field in the future. It has also benefited highly for if/when I start studying for my social work degree.
Do you have any hobbies or other interests, outside of your work?
I enjoy mountain climbing in my spare time, which gives me a challenge outside of work. I find that this is a good way to relax after a busy working week, especially during the course I was completing in my spare time after work hours.
Anything else you feel like telling us about your experience?
I would say that the experience I had during the course was well planned and the ease of accessing information and guidance from my assessor. I really enjoyed my experience over the year!
And finally, what advice would you give to anyone thinking about doing a similar qualification with Perth College UHI?
I chose to study at Perth College UHI after my high school years to receive my BA honour degree in Music. After four years, I returned to do my Social Services course and I really enjoyed it. The portal was easy to access, and my assessor did a fantastic job to support me through the course.
