A fact finding visit to Forth Valley College’s Open Evening led to a mental health support worker becoming a Modern Apprentice in less than three weeks.
Michelle Milne (43) from Banknock a Support Worker with FDAMH, popped into the the first Open Evening ever held at the new FVC Falkirk Campus on Thursday 24 January to find out about more about Health and Social Care courses.
She had previously attained a NC in Social Care (SVQ Level 2) at the college, but did not feel that full-time education suited her. After some initial advice from FVC staff Michelle, who works mainly in group work sessions in-house at the charity’s Victoria Centre in Falkirk and within the wider community, was gearing up to begin a one year Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Health and Social Care (SVQ Level 3) course in September. But a withdrawal from an earlier course meant she was able to start in early February!
FDAMH is an independent mental health charity serving Falkirk and District, established in 1981. Their mission is to promote mental wellbeing by providing a range of services and creating an environment in which they support individuals to recover from mental ill health by acknowledging that recovery is a unique voyage of self-discovery and personal growth, prevent deterioration in mental wellbeing and provide support, education and training related to mental health to carers and across the local community.
Michelle, who worked as a volunteer for FDAMH before becoming a full-time member of staff three and a half years ago, said: “I have always been in a caring role with my son, my dad and my grandad and I just loved helping people and seeing the change that it makes in their lives.
“I only started a couple of weeks ago and I think it is brilliant. I have dyslexia, but there was no time for me to be scared about things, I just had to go for it and it has been really good. I really like the way the MA is set up. I only need to attend College six times for various assignments and a Work Based Assessor from FVC comes out to find out how I am implementing my learning in the workplace. I am earning while learning and it really suits me in my working life.”
Michele Reap, FDAMH Social Spirit Manager, said: “I am very happy for Michelle. Here at FDAMH personal development is really important to us and we are always supportive when any of our staff want to take qualifications that will enhance their skillset. I think this MA will certainly develop Michelle and be beneficial in her role. We have had a few students come to us over the years from Forth Valley College and perhaps that is something we can look to revisit in the future.”
Jane Baldi, FVC Business Development Partner, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Michelle at the FVC Open Evening back in January and I knew from the start she would be an ideal candidate to take on an apprenticeship. She was so keen and enthusiastic and when an unexpected space came up on the earlier intake, I had no hesitation inviting her to interview for an MA in Social Services and Healthcare. She is doing very well already and I am sure she will push on and complete her MA in Health and Social Care.”
