Alumni Spotlight - Callum Mann
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, Callum chats to us about his experience.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Callum Mann, and I am from Dundee. My current workplace is St Pauls RC Academy, which is a high school in Dundee.
What qualification did you complete with UHI Perth?
I completed my Social Services (Children and Young People) SVQ3 qualification.
Why did you decide to gain a qualification through UHI Perth? How did you hear about the course?
I decided to do my qualification with UHI because it gave me time to work and study at the same time. A work colleague told me about how she studied online with UHI Perth, and this made me look into the SVQ3 course.
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?
It was difficult at first to balance work and college work but over time I got myself into a routine of staying after work to complete my college work which really helped me to complete the course.
How have you found the style of teaching and the support you have received from your trainer, employer, and assessors?
The support I got from my tutor was amazing - any issues I may have had I just emailed my tutor, and she got back to me very quickly. Also, in person, my tutor explained any issue’s I may have and was very understanding and patient with me.
My work colleagues and boss have been very supportive with me throughout my college work and have helped when necessary. Any concerns I may have had, was supported by my manager and colleagues.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments?
A memorable moment for me was when my tutor was doing an observation and observed me in a class. The class that the tutor watched me in was a S2 maths class where the class was doing a test. I sat at the back of the class and supported a pupil with reading and scribing. I remember how well the pupil did in this test and how he overcame the test and someone new in the class. I also remember introducing my tutor to the pupil and explained that she is here to watch me so don’t be nervous and he replied “it’s okay Mr Mann, don’t be nervous!”
How do you feel your qualification will help you in your career progression? What are your career goals and plans?
This qualification is going to help me move up a grade in my workplace from a PSA (Pupil Support Assistant) to a LCA (Learning Care Assistant). My next goal is to work towards my Grade 7 which would make me a senior LCA.
Do you have any hobbies or other interests, outside of your work?
My hobbies outside of work are going to the gym. I am training as powerlifter and strongman. When I am not studying, I am training and competing in competitions.
Anything else you feel like telling us about your experience?
I really enjoyed my experience studying again and once I passed the course, I felt like I had accomplished my goal. I was very proud, and without the help of my tutor, I couldn’t have done this.
And finally, what advice would you give to anyone thinking about doing a similar qualification with UHI Perth?
I would encourage anyone to study with UHI Perth - they are a great college to help you achieve your goals!
