Ann-Marie has already started her childcare career, having secured a job in a private nursery at the end of her HNC.

Ann-Marie Whyte from Fraserburgh is 45 years old and returned to education at NESCol two years ago. A mum to twin boys and a daughter, she had worked in retail since she was a teenager but wanted to try something different.

It was the combination of sadly losing her father in 2022 and her youngest starting Primary 1, that spurred Ann-Marie on to come to College. She’d enjoyed helping out with her daughter’s nursery and was inspired to give a career in childcare a shot.

She said, “I originally applied for the SCQF Level 4 course. At my interview, I was advised to start on the NC Childhood Practice course because I had Higher qualifications and experience, but I had also been out of education for a while. This would then prepare me for progressing to the HNC.”

Studying childcare

Ann-Marie started her NC in 2023 and thrived at NESCol. She particularly enjoyed the social aspect of College, and the opportunity to meet new people.

She said, “I knew someone on the course who I had worked with previously, so it was good to have a friendly face in the class.

“However, the best part was meeting new people and making new friends. I was fortunate with my lecturers and my classes, as everyone was very supportive.

“If anyone was struggling, we would help each other out. We were a varied class with some younger students just out of school, and some students who were a similar age to me and also parents. This was great as we could all learn from each other.

“All of the lecturers were also very approachable if you were stuck and needed guidance.”

Ann-Marie worked four days a week in her retail role while she studied for her NC. Although she reduced her hours for her HNC, she kept a hectic schedule of work, two full days on placement, and College – as well as being a mum and managing coursework.

She said, “On placement, everyone was lovely and supportive and happy to give guidance. One of my placements was actually at my daughter’s former nursery.

“Some days I’d leave the house at 9am and I wouldn’t get back home until 10 at night!”

All of Ann-Marie’s hard work over the past two years has paid off, and she completed the course and received her HNC Childhood Practice qualification in July. She graduated from NESCol at Fraserburgh Campus on 20 September 2025.

Career in childcare

Ann-Marie has already started her first role in childcare, which she interviewed for before she even finished her HNC!

She said, “I was lucky enough to have an interview with a private nursery before I formally completed the course. I wasn’t sure if they wanted someone more experienced, or just out of College like me, but they saw something in me and thought I’d be a great fit.

“I started over the summer after I had completed my HNC, so I could get to know some of the children before the new curriculum started in September.

“I felt like a fish out of water, but everyone has been really supportive, and the kids have taken to me already!”

No stranger to being busy, Ann-Marie has kept her part-time retail job too!

Looking to the future, she’s happy to see where this new childcare career path leads.

She said, “The nursery took a leap of faith hiring me, and I’m taking a leap of faith following this path. I’m a hard worker and I’ll keep grafting and see where it takes me.”

Advice for students

Ann-Marie’s advice to those looking to return to education or make a big career change is to give it a shot.

She said, “Just go for it – what’s the worst that can happen? The best that can happen is you get a new qualification and change your life!

“For me as a mum, it was important to show my kids that if you’re in a job that you’re not enjoying, or you want a change, that it’s okay to try something new.”

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