Staff Resources

“Before college I had always been interested in Art and Design, it was my favourite subject at school. That's why I decided to study graphic design."

"I always knew I wanted to work in construction. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to be involved in the industry. National Certificate: Built Environment offered a taster of different things. It allowed me to try a bit of everything and see what was right for me."

“Science has always been an area of interest for me, especially biology and chemistry, ever since I was about 7, I’d say. I studied both all the way through high school."

“I have thoroughly enjoyed National Certificate: Professional Cookery. I’ve been at Fife College for 3 years now, and I would love to go on to HNC level next year and then to university to do a teaching degree."

“I worked in childcare for a number of years before coming to college. I originally came to complete qualifications that were required for the job I was in at the time. Since then, I’ve actually started working at the College. I work with students with additional support needs and it was really this work that gave me an interest in doing my degree in social care."

“The travel industry appealed to me because I liked the idea of working in a busy environment and dealing with and meeting different people and exploring new cultures."

“I really enjoyed studying history and modern studies at high school. I was always interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the inner workings of social sciences and sought to continue these interests in further education."

“I was 17 when I first came to college. That was to do a catering course because I had decided I wanted to be a chef. But I soon turned against that idea because I was just turning 18 and to be a chef you have to be prepared to work nights and weekends and I definitely wasn’t! After that, I became involved in childcare."

“I went travelling for a few years and worked abroad for a few seasons. I think it was then that I realised that I was interested in the creative side of fashion, so I decided to come back to Fife College and study fashion."

“I have moved home several times and love decorating. When I was younger my parents took us to different castles at the weekends and I just loved all the different architecture and interiors. It's where my interest in interior design came from."

“I came back to college after 12 years to start SVQ: Hairdressing SCQF Level 5. Before that, I was working in a childcare setting. I had a good job at management level and I really enjoyed it. “But, having a family of my own, I just felt that I needed a change from what I was doing."

“I came to Scotland from Portugal in my semi-retirement because I wanted to live in the land where my grandfather was raised and experience all the things he had experienced and eventually retire fully here."

“I had an interest in film and theatre production from a very young age and decided to take up performing arts as an opportunity to put my creative visions into action."

“I am 42 years old, I am originally from Colombia but I lived in Spain for 14 years, so I have a dual nationality; Colombian and Spanish. I have always been interested in learning English as a second language, as it is the most international language."

"I’ve done a few courses with the College now. I left school really early and didn’t deal with education well at all. I left it a few years before coming to college because I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, until I found my love for social care."

"Childcare wasn't something I wanted to make a career of when I left school, but it was something that has always been in my family as my mum works in childcare, so was always an option for me."

"I have always been interested in trades work. I decided to study Construction at Fife College as it was my local college and, after looking at the prospectus, I found the NPA to suit me best."

“When I first came to the College, it was actually to study computing. I started at SCQF Level 4 and then went on to level 5, but by then it was clear that it wasn’t for me. I then switched on to one of the short courses running in January/February, Certificate: Sport and Fitness. I chose this as sport and fitness was my only other real interest at the time."

“This is the third year that I’ve done at Fife College. Before coming on to Certificate: Access to Further Education, I did Future Pathways: Personal and Vocational Skills for two years. I liked Future Pathway; there were a lot of fun activities involved."

“My interest in legal services came after hearing a friend of mine talking about the course, as she had completed HNC: Legal Services the year before. After seeing how much she had enjoyed it, I began considering it for myself."

“I have always wanted to work with children. I attended a local learning centre to do ECDL. This gave me the confidence to do National Certificate: Early Education and Childcare."

“When I left school I didn’t know what to do so I continued to work where I had been working while at school. I did that for four years before I decided I wanted to go back in to study events."

“Step In made me feel more confident and I felt learned a lot more than I learned at school. I now feel proud of myself and have a sense of achievement."

"From early childhood, I wanted to be a teacher. After I finished my social pedagogy course I had the opportunity to work as a junior teacher with children of pre-school age in Bulgaria. When I decided to start my new life here in Scotland I wanted to continue to work with children."

"The Princes Trust course had a really positive effect on me. I really wanted to improve my confidence and this was one of the main reasons for choosing the course; it offered new experiences, such as the residential week and working as part of the team, and these helped me to build my confidence."

“Studying HND: Computing: Technical Support part-time at Fife College, whilst in employment as a Trainee IT Technician with Fife Council, allowed me to develop my knowledge and skills to a standard that was accepted and recognised within the industry."

“I started my internship with Planys Mobile during the first year of studying HND: Computing: Software Development. It’s helped me in two ways, really. It’s helped with my academic studies as I can apply the theory I’ve learned in college to the real life situations at Planys. It’s also allowed me to better understand the theory of the courses as I have seen the practical application."

“I worked for three years as an animator on the Greek Island of Rhodes. My boss out there used to be a radio presenter on the Isle of Man, so I quizzed him about it and decided that once I’d done my time there, I would head back to college to learn more about the radio industry. As soon as I was a few weeks into the course at college, I knew it’s what I wanted to do."

“Without my degree in accounting through Fife College, I wouldn’t be able to do the type of job that I am doing now; my graduate position is perfect for me. It gives me the chance to continue learning while I gain invaluable experience."

“I have just moved through to Edinburgh to study BDes (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design at Edinburgh Napier University. I feel that my two years at Fife College studying drt and design (National Certificate: Art and Design and the first year of HND: Art and Design) was a great stepping stone between high school and university."

“I am currently studying HNC: Childhood Practice and I am thoroughly enjoying the course so far. I knew the College had a great care department as I had studied an education support course here a few years ago."

"Prince's Trust Employability and Personal Development has helped me in so many ways. It has built my confidence up, improved my communication and social skills and, along with the support of the amazing Fife College staff, it has got me back into education."

"When I was growing up I was always playing sport. This is why I was so keen to work in the sport industry, and why I came to college to study sport."

“I’ve always loved fashion – art was always my favourite subject at school. When I left school, I decided to study at college before going to university."

"Before coming to college I looked after my granddaughter for around 8 years. Then, when she went to school I was left with nothing much to do and all day to it. So, after speaking to my daughters, I decided that I would apply to college to study Childcare."

“During my studies, from HNC to degree level in business management, I received great support from the College. Continuing on to do the degree course at Fife College was perfect for me and it saved me so much time and money, since I could study where I live in Kirkcaldy."

“I liked the idea of studying events locally, and friends who had studied at the College previously had only positive things to say about it."

"Through my career in early years education and psychology, I was introduced to counselling. This helped to develop my dedication and care for children as well as adults’ psychological needs. “Due to being a full-time parent, I took a break from employment. Once I found myself ready and able to continue my career, I applied for HNC: Counselling part-time at Fife College."

"I needed three recent Highers from the last five years in order to be able to go on and study at midwifery at university. So I decided to study part-time at Fife College to get them."

“I knew from my own research that the renewables engineering industry is expanding, which would mean it would hold opportunities in its production."

"My interest in Petroleum Engineering started from my passion for science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM), but I find it very fascinating how oil and gas is extracted to the surface from a mostly subsea environment."

"This Engineering course is my third course with the college. I originally left to school to study performing arts, and the other course I've done previously is hairdressing, so I've studied quite a range of different things!

"I'm currently in my 2nd year of HND: Computing: Software Development and for the last 4 or 5 months, I have been working one day a week as an Intern at Planys Mobile in Dunfermline."

"I came to Scotland from Rome, Italy, without really knowing what career path I wanted to follow. But, after working in a few restaurants in and around Dunfermline in various roles, I knew I wanted to work in kitchens and Culinary Arts."

"I started at Fife College straight from school. I've always liked cooking and got on well with it at school, so I thought I'd give Culinary Arts a bash at college."

"I always wanted to do Hairdressing, but I did the introductory course just to make sure it was for me. The Level 2 course has been a step up from Level 1, its hard work but will be well worth it when I have the qualification."

"I worked for the College a few years ago I was part of the Student Information team at the Halbeath Campus. After having my second son, I decided not to return to work but instead to do what Id always wanted to: Make-up Artistry."

“I enjoyed Maths and Science subjects at school and was keen to find out more about what the oil and gas industry is like and learn about other energy types so Shell Girls in Engineering sounded ideal."

“I was looking for a change in carer, I had been working in the care industry for 11 years. I worked in reception at a busy hotel when I was younger and wanted to get back into that kind of role again. I wanted to enhance my IT skills to put me in a better position for gaining full-time employment within administration."

“I had been working in childcare for six years and decided I wanted a career change. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I had a look at the courses Fife College had on offer, and found their Admin courses."

“Applying to study at Fife College was a spur of the moment decision. I decided I wanted to gain new qualifications to enable me to pursue a new career in administration - It’s a decision I don’t regret!"

“I have been interested in cooking from a really young age, due to my grandmother cooking with me. This only grew when I used to cook as a hobby for friends and family during high school."

“I have enjoyed cooking since I was in high school. I enjoy trying different cuisines and cooking for friends and family."

"One day I decided I was going to have a go at making burgers from a cook book. I burnt them and they tasted terrible, but my failure inspired me to try again and again until I finally got it right. I felt so inspired to try making more things and since then I knew that this is what I wanted to do."

“My interest in working with childcare came from being involved with helping my mum look after my young siblings. Then, after having my own children, was when I knew working with children was the career I wanted to pursue."

"When I was in S5 the College came to speak to us about the opportunity to do a Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering while still being at school. I was really drawn to the topics that would be covered throughout the course."

"Half of my family are soldiers and the other half are engineers, so it was always either one or the other for me!"

“My family had a big influence on me wanting to pursue a career in care."

"At school, I particularly enjoyed maths, physics, and design and manufacture and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in engineering."

“Before moving to Scotland from Tula, Russia, in 2012, I worked as a TV and Radio presenter and performed in amateur theatre for over ten years. All of my previous experience gave me an understanding of what performing arts means to me and the skills I needed to work in this field."

"I didn’t feel like school was the best place for me so I the opportunity to study part-time Access to Retail and Business was a good opportunity for me."

"A friend had recently completed the SWAP course and suggested that it might be a perfect fit for me to get back into education and make a decision about what I wanted to do. I applied and was accepted."

"I've always been in love with more creative and hands-on subjects, and have been interested in the theatre since I was little, but I always wanted to be a part of the ‘making’ rather than the acting."

"I’ve always wanted to do something hands-on, and I’m really enjoying Building Services. As part of the course, I’ve installed a bathroom suite which I really enjoyed."

"The jewellery course is different to art and design in that it’s a lot more hands on and practical, rather than there being such a focus on drawing. I’ve also had the chance to do samples and try techniques I’ve never tried before – in fact, some of them I’ve never even heard of before!"

"I had explored some aspects of physical theatre during HND: Acting and Performance, and I became very interested in exploring this new side to theatre and wanted to learn how to better use my body in performance."

“After initially wanting to be a paramedic, for a time I wanted to be a support worker for people with learning difficulties – something I’d still like to do, actually – but my placement this year has been at a high school and I am thoroughly enjoying it. So much so that I’m now thinking it would be good to be a PSA in a high school environment so I’m more torn now."

"I left school with no qualifications and wanted to start gaining them to help me start a career. I also always enjoyed Modern Studies at high school."

"I loved my course – especially the facials! It’s really relaxing when giving them. You also need to know about the anatomy of the face – all the bones etc. Not something I thought I’d learn, but it's so interesting."

“After becoming unemployed last year, I started attending a job club. My advisor then put me in touch with Key to Work course at the College, as she felt I needed to improve my IT skills. I have been attending the College ever since."

“I learned some invaluable skills during my time on the Practical Journalism course, which have benefited me greatly in my new role as a freelance journalism job with DC Thomson in Dundee."

“My favourite subject whilst I was at school was Design and Manufacture, I always enjoyed the theory side of the subject as well as the practical."

“I have always wanted to travel; I love going to new places and seeing new things. I always wanted to work in different countries and knew I would need to learn more than just where I was on the map."

"Before I started studying, I was really interested in costume design, so I decided that studying fashion at a college that is local to me was my best option."

“I started dancing when I was 4, so I have been performing for most of my life. I really enjoyed the theatrical element of dance and wanted to explore it further. I was introduced to Youth Theatre at the College when I was 9 and I loved my time there."

“I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I came back to college. A friend of mine completed NPA Enterprise and Employability last year, and had enjoyed it and said it was really worthwhile, so I applied."

"I was involved in care from an early age; my gran had dementia and I helped my mum to look after her. Because of this, I developed an interest in care and wanted to pursue a career in the sector."

"I am currently enrolled on HNC: Working With Communities. This will include doing community-based projects. I am really happy to be back at Fife College and would recommend returning to education to everyone."

"The MA is great because I can work towards qualifications while gaining experience in the workplace."

“I wanted to work, get experience, and go from there, so I applied for a couple of apprenticeships. I didn’t know much about housing so I didn’t really know what to expect from the apprenticeship."

“HND: Make-up Artistry has allowed me to combine my hairdressing skills with make-up, which I have long had a passion for."

“I started with the College studying HNC: Social Services and I then did HND: Additional Support Needs: Managing and Supporting the Services before coming on to BA Learning Difficulties/Disabilities."

“Never having done any social work before, I couldn’t get straight on to a social work degree course, so I had to do something to access that level of study."

“I am currently doing HNC: Travel and Tourism at Fife College after completing the Advanced Certificate: Travel and Tourism course last year."

“I was drawn to software development as it means I can be creative and have some freedom. It’s fun, I enjoy it."

“My years of studying have flown by and I am so glad that I did it! All of the hard work has paid off and has definitely been worth it.”

“I wanted to do construction management but thought it would be best starting from the bottom and working my way up to gain experience and knowledge. That’s why I applied for National Certificate: Built Environment."

“Studying theatre at Fife College is great; it’s very accessible with all types of transport which was perfect for me as I didn’t drive when I first started, and the train station and bus station is right on the College’s doorstep."

“I left school as a winter leaver and I’m really enjoying college so far. It’s a different environment at college and I think that you’re treated more as an adult."

"The main thing that I’ve got from the course is confidence. Now I’m able to ask for support and talk in front of the class."

“The Step In course helped me with several things from how to interact with groups of people to helping to make me feel more confident, alongside allowing me to earn more qualifications to help me further myself along towards my goals in life."

“I was always interested in art and graphic design, all throughout my school years. Through a careers advice day during my last year at high school, I was introduced to the possibility of studying visual design at Fife College."

“I loved my course – I don’t think I could’ve picked anything better for me as a person. Even the bits that weren’t as much ‘fun’ were fine as I enjoyed just being there."

“Being from Poland, I believe that studying English is something that every foreign person should do if they are going to live in an English-speaking country."

“Doing the apprenticeship in Technical Theatre provided a really good insight into working life, especially in this industry where the hands-on experience is equally as important than the coursework and theory.”