A mother and daughter made Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Town Hall graduation ceremony a family affair on Tuesday 1 October.
Laura McGinty (37) and her daughter Cara (19), from Grangemouth, both graduated on the night with HNCs Childhood Practice after spending the last year as ‘study buddies’ throughout their Falkirk Campus based course.
Mum Laura, who had previously worked for ASDA for 10 years, but who now works for Falkirk Council as a supply early years officer, said: “It had always been my intention to apply for a childcare course at some point, but I never seemed to get round to it. When I eventually did apply and get in Cara asked me what course I had gone for and I said HNC Childhood Practice at Forth Valley College and she said ‘no way’ that’s what I have been accepted for!”
Despite being on the same course the pair were in different classes, but leaned heavily on each other for support throughout their time at college.
Cara, who has now gone on to study for a BA in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Stirling, while also working one day a week with Falkirk Council as a supply early years officer, said: “It was good though a little strange going to college with your mum, but I enjoyed it. I used to ask mum to come and sit with me in the refectory at lunchtime… but only if my friends were not in.”
Both agree that the course was really hard work, but well worth it in the end and that the lecturers were very supportive at the college. And they say they would have no hesitation in recommending the college to anyone thinking about studying Childcare.
Laura added: “It is really worthwhile and as there is going to be a big appeal for more Childcare Assistants in 2020 I think people should go for it and apply.”
Cara, agreed and said: “It has been great having a study buddy for life, but if there are any other mother and daughters thinking of applying and they still stay in the same house, my advice to them would be … make sure you get a lap-top each!”
More than 1000 students were eligible to graduate this year from Forth Valley College and 325 of them chose to collect their scrolls - 130 at Stirling Castle and 195 at Falkirk.
Hector MacAulay, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty gave the keynote speech at Falkirk Town Hall, while guest speaker at the Stirling Castle event was Gillian Docherty, Chief Executive Officer of the Data Lab.
The Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band were on hand to lead in the top table and guests of honour at both ceremonies.