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Young Carers & Care Experienced Students

If you are under 26 years of age and identify as being care experienced, then we can provide you with extra support.

Are you care experienced?

We appreciate that starting College is a big step and can bring with it a number of different challenges. However, at NESCol we are proud Corporate Parents, and are dedicated to making your experience a positive, enjoyable and supportive one.

If you are under 26 years of age and identify as being:

In “Foster Care or Supported Care”
A “Care Leaver” no longer in care but under the age of 26
In “Residential Care”
In “Kinship Care” i.e. living with a relative that isn’t your mum or dad
“Looked After at Home” with the support of your Social Worker/Local Authority
A “Young Carer” whereby you look after a friend or family member who is ill or disabled, in an unpaid capacity

We can provide you with extra support.

Extra support available

Pre-entry advice

We can help you choose a course that sets you on the right path to reaching your career goals.

Guaranteed Interviews

We guarantee course interviews for our care experienced applicants.

Transition and Learning Support

Our Student Advice and Support Team can help and advise you in making your transition to College as smooth as possible. Once enrolled, we can continue to help you with Study Skills Support and Additional Learning & Assessment Support where required.

Priority Funding Processing

All care experienced applicants will have their funding application prioritised.

Enhanced Funding

All care experienced applicants will be considered for enhanced funding of up to £8,100, depending on personal circumstances and course level.

Need help with your funding application? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook for information about our upcoming funding workshops.

Academic Support

Students at NESCol will have a dedicated Academic Tutor who can support with pastoral or academic issues.

Peer Support

The Students’ Association can assist you with peer support and advice on clubs, societies and social experiences that could enhance your NESCol experience.

Employability

All our students can leave College with a CV, and advice on navigating volunteering and job markets.

Let us know

It is important that you make us aware of your caring responsibilities and/or Care Experienced background, as soon as possible.

Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612091, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk.

For more information, download our Young Carers and Care Experienced Students leaflet.

Student Stories

Don’t take our word for it! Find out what our students think about studying at NESCol.

Gayle Duguid

Computing

“I would say to anyone thinking of returning to learning after time away – just do it.”

Dawn-Maree Wilson

Computing

“I plan to progress from this introductory course right through to HND level”

Kevin Simpson

Engineering

“My experience in the power generation and LNG industries show how transferrable a qualification an HNC in Engineering can be.”

Oskars Rancans

Engineering

“I’m really enjoying my new role and I’m glad I have my qualifications behind me. They have set me up for an engineering career which will allow me to work and live in different places.”

Lisa Shaw

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship

“Being able to work while having the opportunity to learn practical skills is great and I would highly recommend it to others.”

David Ewing

Engineering

HNC Mechanical Engineering

“I could never have imagined when I was studying back in Aberdeen that I would one day be working in the motorsport industry for Formula 1.”

Emma Craig

Engineering

HND Electrical Engineering

“I think more women should consider studying engineering, it’s a career that can take you anywhere you want to go and is not limited to oil and gas.”

Drew Burness

Science

HND Applied Sciences

“The lecturers have been great – they are really approachable if you’re stuck with anything or want to ask questions. They have a wide range of industry experience and are very willing to share this with their students.”

Duncan Pirie

Care

HNC Social Sciences

“The lecturers are really helpful and understanding, and all of the people in my class get on really well.”

Scott Fraser

Engineering

Electrical Installation Apprenticeship

“During my apprenticeship I’ve been involved a lot in domestic properties – rewiring houses, kitchens, bathrooms and full rewires of new houses plus some small industrial work as well. it’s been a lot of fun and I’ve learnt a lot of new things.”