School careers support was foundation of healthy future for Gracie
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship at school was the best medicine for Gracie Forrester, who is now on a clear path to work in care.
Gracie, from Perth, was thinking about leaving Bertha Park High School after fifth year with no plans for next steps, until she met with the school’s Careers Adviser, Maxine Scott.
It was through meetings with Maxine that Gracie realised there were options to help her achieve her dream of working in Healthcare.
Now Gracie is future focused, having gained invaluable work experience during her time in school, a part time job at a local care home and secured a place in college.
Gracie, now 18, explained: “I knew I wanted to work in Healthcare. Growing up, I always loved watching medical related programmes and was fascinated when I was given any care or treatment. I thought it would be a great career where I would be able to help people.
“I had picked subjects I liked, including Biology, but I wasn’t enjoying school at all and suffered from anxiety.
“It was then that I met with Maxine, and she encouraged me to think more about my options. Together, we looked at jobs, college and courses I could take whilst still at school.”
Maxine is one of hundreds of Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers working across every state school in Scotland, supporting pupils with career information advice and guidance.
Maxine said: “I met Gracie in S4 and started to have regular conversations about her career management skills. We explored self, strengths, skills and aspirations, which allowed her time and space to make a good, informed decision about her plans for the future.
“Once I got to know more about Gracie we started to discuss her career ambitions and option choices and it was at that point I explained the opportunities with the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare, which is a school subject giving pupils the chance to gain work experience as part of their qualification.”
A Foundation Apprenticeship is a subject choice that allows pupils to get real industry experience while they are still at school, combining time spent with a learning provider and an employer. Completion leads to a qualification at the same level as a Scottish Higher and recognised by all colleges and universities in Scotland for entry into their further and higher education courses.
Gracie said: “When Maxine told me about the Foundation Apprenticeship it sounded perfect. It would mean I would stay on at school but get the chance to learn at college and get on-the-job experience.”
As part of her Foundation Apprenticeship with Perth UHI, Gracie spent one day a week working at Blairgowrie Community Hospital in the elderly ward.
Explained Gracie: “I had a mentor at the hospital and there was a lot of listening and watching. I was shadowing members of staff, watching how they handle dressings, helping with bed baths, showers and getting them dressed.
“I absolutely loved my experience on my Foundation Apprenticeship and it made me even more confident that I wanted to work in Healthcare.”
Gracie also used her school year to help catch up on other subjects, choosing Human Biology, a National Progression Award in Exercise and Fitness and a Higher in Literature and Communication.
With Maxine’s help, Gracie successfully applied for an HNC course in Healthcare Practice at Perth UHI, which starts in the new term.
Meanwhile, the caring teen landed a support staff role at another local care home, offering paid work over the summer months.
Gracie said: “I’ve had my best year at school, and I would never have had the chance to experience it if I hadn’t got advice from Maxine.
“Maxine has been an amazing support and has helped me a lot. As well as talking me through my options she’s helped me with job and college applications, developing my CV and my interview skills.”
Maxine said: “I’ve kept in touch with Gracie throughout the year and she has absolutely thrived on her Foundation Apprenticeship. She was so excited to get a uniform and the chance to get experience working in the hospital.
“At the start of our relationship, Gracie was nervous about leaving school and now she is showing lots of confidence about moving on and what she is achieving.
"The Foundation Apprenticeship and the positive experience of school, college and her placement during her final year have clearly sparked Gracie’s enthusiasm for the future and helped her discover a strong sense of identity."
Pupils can speak to their SDS careers adviser at school and, for careers support at any age, visit myworldofwork.co.uk or call 0800 917 8000 to find out about support in your area.