James McLean
Supported Programmes
Qualification for Work: Hospitality
“It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made to continue at College. Lecturers and my classmates have helped me come out of my shell and the leadership skills that are taught on my course have helped me enormously – I feel better about myself.”
James McLean had a rocky start to his learning story. With challenges at home he felt he couldn’t concentrate on his studies at school or during his first year at College in Perthshire. He moved to Turriff when he was 18 with some qualifications under his belt and a desire to get into catering. Following some work experience as a Kitchen Helper organised by the Job Centre he became aware of the College bus service that connected the surrounding rural areas with the Campus at Fraserburgh.
After exploring his options he enrolled onto the Qualification for Work: Hospitality course. After successfully completing this he hoped to get onto the Professional Cookery course but unfortunately he wasn’t successful. Despite this setback he came up with a plan B within College.
“ I was disappointed but knew where I wanted to get to and how to get there. I enrolled onto the Introduction to Sport, Leisure and Fitness and then progressed into Uniformed Services where my aim is to join the Catering Services section within the Armed Services. Here I can work my way up, improve my skills and get a career rather than a job.”
James is now in his fourth year at NESCol. He is now studying the Level 3 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services having completed the Level 2 Diploma last year.