Today we share Marion’s story. Marion left school at 16 and moved from the Isle of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides to Elgin to attend college. Crediting her success to a supportive social worker, Marion is now a Learning and Development Adviser at the SSSC.
When did you leave school?
I left school at 16 not only leaving school but leaving home for the first time too. Leaving Benbecula and moving to Elgin to attend college was a scary time, and I’m so grateful to my amazing social worker that believed in me and helped make this possible.
What did you do after college?
After college I started volunteering and working relief shifts for a charity that supported people with learning disabilities.
I then got a full-time job as a support worker when I was 18 and worked in that role for nine years before being promoted to a registered manager.
My manager was very supportive in making sure I took all the opportunities I could to gain different experiences and qualifications. He always jokes that he took a chance on me and it paid off. The managers role set me up for a secondment as a peripatetic SVQ assessor and Internal Verifier for Care SVQs.
I left the organisation after 15 years to move to Shetland to be registered manager for a care centre that offered care home, care at home, respite, day services and domiciliary care.
How did you move into learning and development?
I had worked as an SVQ assessor and internal verifier in a previous role, so when relocated to the Western Isles, I worked with the local authority as a training officer for SVQs in health and social care and learning and development.
I was a locality leader/registered manager for Alzheimer Scotland Western Isles from 2012-2021 including sustaining services and support to people living with dementia during lockdown. I then took an opportunity for career progression with various temporary contracts and alongside that trained as an external verifier with Qualifications Scotland.
Jobs since then have not been frontline but my experience working in social care is always valued and I have made some amazing contacts who help support my work.
I am now delighted to have a permanent post in the Qualifications and standards team as a Learning and Development Advisor, SSSC and continue as an External Verifier for Care (Appointee role).
What have you learnt?
When I left school I couldn't afford to go to university as I have lived on my own since I was 16 and I had to work to support myself. A vocational path supported me to get the qualifications I needed to progress in my career in health and social care mostly with SVQs including a Registered managers qualification.
I trained as an assessor, internal verifier and external verifier over several years. In my 30s, I self-funded a Degree in Health and Social care with the open university it took me six years to complete it alongside full-time work and having two young children at the time.
I did this for my own personal goals, it’s important to treat every day as a school day, keep learning from others, be reflective, take opportunities and be brave.