New Apprenticeship Officer Colin Rae knows more than most about the progression possibilities at Forth Valley College.
Colin (30) from Grangemouth started as a student on the New College Learning programme (Employability course) in 2013. He even completed his course work experience placement in the Student Services Department of the College, before securing one year Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration, with the same department.
After successfully completing his MA he landed a role as an Information Assistant in February 2014 and found himself working across all three campuses in that post.
In 2018 he took the next step of his career journey at FVC by taking on an Administration Assistant position with the Business Development and Commercial Department, mainly working as an administrator on the Flexible Workforce Development Fund.
The Covid Pandemic and the furlough scheme was the only slight break in the chain for Colin, before he secured a role in Student Finance which he has held until March 2024, while also covering all three campuses on reception as and when he was needed.
Now Colin – who is married to Michelle and has two young children called Eyvie (9) and Lucas (3) – is relishing his new College job… that of Apprenticeship Officer in the Department of Apprenticeships, Skills and Commercial.
Colin, said: “It seems like I have grown and developed along with the College, from an 18 year-old just out of school to a 30 year-old man and I have made great connections with countless colleagues… it has just been a lovely place to study and work in. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.
“It all kind of fell into place for me and as well as watching my own career develop I have watch as the College has too since I have been here, with the new campuses especially.
“The advice and guidance from the colleagues and friends I have here has been second to none, and one of the major factors for me progressing has been learning and growing with the help of my peers who have all been brilliant.
“Another great thing about working here is that there is scope for progression in many areas. If you see yourself doing something here, there is no reason why you can’t focus and set your sights on the aims you have for certain roles.
“My advice to someone just starting out on their Forth Valley College staff journey would be that if you are given a project, then take it on, learn from it, be a part of it, see it through and watch yourself grow from it.
“I feel that my new Apprenticeship Officer role which I have been doing since March this year is just perfect for me. I am now getting out and about and meeting new people, employers and Modern Apprentices ,and all the experiences I have had since I started at Forth Valley College, have prepared me well for taking on this new role and I am loving every minute of it.”
Caroline, Hogg, FVC’s Apprenticeship Manager, said: “It’s been great to see Colin flourish on his career journey here at Forth Valley College and we are delighted to have him as part of our team here in the Apprenticeship, Skills and Commercial Department. I am sure he will go from strength to strength in his new role and become an even greater asset for the College.”