Life-changing careers support gave CJ the confidence for college
Aspiring artist CJ Edwards has a clearer picture of her future after career support at school transformed her life.
CJ never thought college was in reach but after working with Fraserburgh Academy’s Careers Adviser Elizabeth (Liz) Bruce, the teen had the confidence to take that next step.
CJ said: “Liz gave me the chance to improve my life. Before meeting her, I felt that my choices were so slim. She has helped me get to where I want to be.”
CJ was in S3 when she was introduced to Liz, and initially, she felt hesitant about meeting.
She explained: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do after leaving school but as I talked to Liz more, she was so helpful and sweet and helped me find out more about college courses and career choices.”
Open to support
From then until S6 school was challenging for CJ and, combined with health issues and caring responsibilities at home, this impacted on her attendance and learning.
CJ explained: “I acted out at school. I never did my homework, I was sometimes rude to the teachers, and I broke the dress code. I started skipping classes halfway through S6. I did as much as I could at the time, but I found it hard to focus.”
Despite dealing with personal barriers, CJ was open and engaged throughout their time together said Liz, who 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.
CJ also received additional support throughout her studies and engaged with the school’s Pupil Support Worker (PSW) from S3 to S6.
Liz explained: “CJ showed great determination, always bringing a thoughtful and considered approach. She had a strong interest in career planning for life after school and a real commitment to shaping her future path.”
Realising opportunities
CJ didn’t think college was an option for her. She said: “I didn’t think I deserved to go to college because of my behaviour, but I realised through Liz that it was possible. Working with Liz made me think ‘what do I want to be?’. She gave me options and courses I can do to help me with the rest of my life and I’m so happy she was able to give me that chance.”
CJ was interested in studying Art and Design at North East Scotland College (NESCol) but after visiting the college and meeting with the student support team, she felt that the Preparation for Work course – aimed at school leavers who are looking to develop essential skills – was a better fit to get started on her path.
Liz said: “We talked about the pros and cons, and CJ came to the conclusion that maybe at this stage, the Art and Design course wasn’t the right option for her.”
Support to help with growth
For Liz, a Careers Adviser for 25 years, working with young people is very much a two-way conversation. Liz explained: “We work side by side every step of the way. They may not have career ideas, or it could be a lack of confidence or motivation. We establish where they are now and where they want to be. I’m there to give them the prompts and support and parents, guardians and carers can also join the meetings.”
Liz describes the support she provides as planting seeds for the future. She said: “The pupils may not grow for a couple of years, but it gets them thinking about life after school. It’s opening their eyes and giving them the belief in themselves that there is something out there for them.
“You often hear things like ‘I’m not smart enough to go to university,’ but it’s encouraging young people to explore all the routes and pathways, whether it’s going on to further education, into work or doing a Modern Apprenticeship.
“Career planning isn’t linear; it can be a bit like crazy paving and can veer all over the place!
“We build strategies so that they leave school with not just any destination, but a positive destination, and the right one for them.”
Liz supported CJ with her college application, and she started the Preparation for Work course at NESCol in August this year.
CJ said: “I’m enjoying it. Everyone is really nice and it feels like the tutors understand me and are supportive. The course is helping me with things like numeracy, which I find so much easier in college. I struggled with it at school and even though teachers tried, I couldn’t understand it.
“I’ve also made some new friends who I spend time with outside college.”
CJ still aspires to become an artist but has also gained the confidence to consider other career options through her personal experience.
She explained: “There are two things I’d like to do – I’d like to study Art and Design to become a crochet artist. I’m starting a crochet club in college called Yap and Yarn.
“I’m also interested in being a family support worker, helping teenagers and kids like me see that they have options. I’d explain that in life, things will always be thrown at you, but you have to fight and face it. It makes you stronger.”
Support continues
CJ’s also learning to drive and looking forward to celebrating her 18th birthday early next year.
Liz also provides post-school career support, so the relationship continues and CJ knows that Liz is always there for her. She said: “Liz messages to check in and see how I’m doing with everything. I met up with her recently and she said I’d changed so much since I left the academy. I want her to know that I thank her for everything that she's done.”
For Liz, seeing young people find their path and thrive is the best part of the job.
Liz said: “Throughout CJ’s time at school, she worked hard to reach her full potential, and her dedication and perseverance are qualities that make me very proud of her.
“There has been a transformation since starting college – CJ looks so happy and well and it’s wonderful to see.”
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.