Aimee and Abbie are twins who have shared their learning journey from school to graduating with HNCs in Childhood Practice.

Abbie and Aimee McKay from Aberdeen are 18 years old and both coach and compete in trampolining. They attended Northfield Academy until sixth year and came straight to NESCol after leaving school.

However, this was not their first time at College. The sisters completed the Schools-College Early Learning and Childcare course at NESCol during their fourth year at school.

The following year, they also undertook Foundation Apprenticeships in Social Services (Children & Young People) with Aberlour Futures, which gave them a deeper understanding of the sector and what it would be like to have a career in childcare.

Before NESCol, Aimee and Abbie built up their skills and knowledge through work experience. They worked at Mile End Nursery and Orchard Brae School, where they had the opportunity to work with children with additional support needs.

Studying childcare

Having had a positive experience at NESCol in school, Aimee and Abbie decided to continue their childcare studies at College.

Abbie said, “I came to NESCol because I had studied previous courses during my time at academy and really enjoyed them.”

Aimee said, “The staff and lecturers were very welcoming during my previous time at NESCol. I found that the lecturers were very supportive and always there to help when you needed it.”

The sisters joined the HNC Childhood Practice course in 2024. They both thrived during their placements, which were their favourite aspect of the course.

Aimee said, “I liked being able to expand my knowledge of childcare and experience what it was like to work in a nursery setting. I felt that the placement was very beneficial and gave me the opportunity to apply my knowledge and learning to my practice.”

Abbie said, “I enjoyed going on placement so that I could put what I was learning into practice and learn from other people in the job. I also enjoyed meeting new people.”

Support at NESCol

Aimee and Abbie highlighted the excellent support and high quality of teaching they received from their lecturers during their HNC. They also both borrowed laptops from the College, which allowed them to complete their coursework and assignments.

Abbie said, “The teaching from the lecturers was very informative and very relevant to practice.”

Aimee said, “I found that the teaching helped me to further my knowledge of childcare. I feel that the support given was very helpful and was always there when I needed it.”

Next steps

Having been together throughout their education, Aimee and Abbie graduated from NESCol side-by-side on 7 October 2025 at the Music Hall.

After graduation, they both intend to keep working in childcare and continue their roles as trampoline coaches.

Abbie said, “I have currently got a position at Muirfield Nursery on maternity cover which I am really enjoying. In the future, I would like to still be working in nurseries and continuing my competitive trampolining.”

Aimee said, “I am currently a relief Early Years Practitioner, but after graduation, my plan is to find a permanent job. In the future, I would like to see myself working in a nursery that I enjoy and continuing to coach trampolining and compete in the sport.”

Their advice to students is to work hard and not give up if exams don’t go your way at school.

Abbie said, “I would say go for it, if you are willing to put in the work, it will be worth it when you finish.”

Aimee said, “My advice is to not worry if you don’t quite get the grades you need for the course you applied for. I didn’t receive one of the grades I needed so I went through clearing and was then offered a place on the course.

“You can also receive guidance from the College lecturers and they can suggest alternative ways to get the qualifications needed for your chosen course.”

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