European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualifications have helped Magdalena Somerville on the road to success, despite some hold-ups along the way.
The 47 year-old, who lives in Larbert, enrolled on the two year ECDL evening course in September 2019. However, due to family issues she returned to Poland in early 2020, where she got stranded due to the Covid pandemic.
Despite this set-back Magdalena continued her lessons every week online with support from her lecturer Karen Kelly and managed to complete Practice and Certification assessments through remote working – which allowed Magdalena and her tutor to work through the time difference.
Upon her return Magdalena completed the first year of her ECDL and with her new skillset achieved, was then confident enough to enrol on a year-long NQ Administration and IT course in 2020-21 at the College.
And she managed to do this all despite only having English as her second language and while volunteering at the Falkirk Citizens Advice Bureau!
She has just completed the second year of her ECDL evening course and has gained her full ECDL qualification. Likewise, she successfully completed her NQ Administration and IT course and has now enrolled on an HND in Administration and IT at Forth Valley College starting in August 2021.
Magdalena, who completed a BA in Human Nutrition when studying at the University of Agriculture and Technology in her home country of Poland, said: “I work as a volunteer in the Citizen Advice Bureau in Falkirk, where I am a receptionist and help with administrative tasks within the office. I decided to look for an IT skills course to help me with my work, but also to improve my employability”.
“I found the ECDL evening course at Forth Valley College which suited me perfectly, as during the day I could continue volunteering at the Citizen Advice Bureau and could do my ECDL in the evening”.
“What kept me going and prevented me from giving up was the support I received from my lecturer Karen Kelly. She was patient, understanding and always there for us all, as we had to adapt to learning and being assessed online”.
“Things were particularly difficult when I was stranded in Poland during the pandemic when I was attending to a very difficult personal matter. But Karen and the college were brilliant, and they all helped me to get through it. I have now completed my full-time course and have enrolled on another one – this time an HND in Administration and IT.
“I have also started to pick up paid work as an interpreter, so everything is progressing in a positive direction thanks to completing the ECDL evening course.”
For more information on ECDL and other Evening courses at Forth Valley College click here