A Forth Valley College student who was told at school that they ‘wouldn’t be able to achieve’, is moving into employment after completing five courses, and armed with a desire to help more people with support needs.
Kat Watmore (23) from Carronshore, Falkirk has just successfully completed a HND Make-up Artistry course, and has come a long way from starting on the FVC’s innovative ‘School-College Opportunities to Succeed’ (SCOTS) course in 2017.
Moving on to a full-time College supported programme called ‘Workstart’, helped Kat progress to ‘Preparation for Employment’ courses, before they were successful in gaining a place a NC Beauty, Care and Make-up, which led to the HND Make-up Artistry journey.
Kat has had to overcome significant additional support needs – including autism and dyslexia - to develop their personal communication, notably improving their confidence and self-belief. Kat has also been passionate about putting something back into society by becoming an Advocate for Autism Central Scotland and has enthusiastically visited schools for guest talks to highlight the support that is out there for people with similar support needs.
Kat said: “I felt like an outcast at school, I didn’t enjoy it and I just wanted to get away from it as soon as I was 16. However, the SCOTS course – which gave you a taster of various different subject areas - showed me that College was different.
“I quite liked the Art and Design section of SCOTS, but it was after applying and being accepted for a Workstart course that I started to find what I liked the most. There was a ‘Personal Presentation’ unit that caught my attention. I also remember that on the ‘Preparation For Employment’ course that I also completed there was a ‘Dress for Interview’ unit that involved doing hair and make-up, which I loved.
“This gave me confidence and I applied for the NC Beauty, Care and Make-up and that is where I began my Make-up Artistry journey. I now would like to go on to work in the theatre and creative industries, and at some point start my own make-up business to help people with support needs.
“My lecturers – especially Tracey Ritchie – have been brilliant and the support I have had from Learning Support Advisors like Charmaine McIntosh has really helped me to complete the work and improve my confidence.
“I could not have hoped to have better members of staff at the College to understand me and my needs and support me through my time here at Forth Valley College.
“This has allowed me to go and volunteer with Autism Central Scotland. I want to put something back to help people who are in a similar situation as I was when at school where I was told that I could not do anything. I want to show them that they can if they put their mind to it and also get the right support which instils self-belief… and you get that here at Forth Valley College.
“Over the years I have been here, I have had amazing, classmates, lecturers and support workers and it helps so much to have someone to support you when you need it and to provide you with the advice to allow you to help yourself.
“In the beginning I struggled with asking for help, as I wanted to be independent, but then I realised that asking for help and getting hat support, allowed me to gain the independence I was looking for.
“The College has been a really good positive experience and it changes you for the better. I am proud of myself for what I have achieved and can’t wait to get started on the next chapter of my life.
“I even met my partner her at the College and he has even modelled for me during my graded unit, which was really nice.
“I would definitely recommend the College, the courses it offers and the support it offers to anyone.”
Lecturer Tracey Ritchie, said: “Kat has been an excellent example of ‘making learning work’ as they have progressed from being a person who was very uncomfortable speaking and engaging with people, to someone who has flourished into a young person who has managed to get a job that involves working with the public.
“I’m so pleased for Kat as it hasn’t been an easy journey. Kat has utilised support provided by FVC and put a sizeable effort into achieving both the HND qualification as well as personal improvement. In addition, Kat has supported fellow students by ‘de-mystifying’ the support that is available to students at FVC. We wish Kat the best of success in their future career.”
Charmaine McIntosh, FVC Learning Support Advisor, said: "It has been a pleasure supporting Kat on their journey at FVC. Witnessing Kat's progress and seeing their confidence grow has been inspiring. We are incredibly proud of Kat's success and wish them all the best in their future endeavours."
For more information on Make-up Artistry courses at FVC visit https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/courses/hair-beauty and for more information on the support offered to students at the College visit https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/student-info/support-advice
