Ana, said: “Due to the pandemic, my hours at work were reduced, so I decided to go back to college after 15 years. I used to work as a lab technician in Bolivia, but I didn't know where to start in the UK. However, through this course and the guidance of my lecturers I found I could resume my studies and thus continue the professional development that I had left behind years ago when I became a mother. I am currently doing an HNC Biological Science.

“I chose to study at Forth Valley College as it was recommended to me by friends at work. The Falkirk Campus was also local to me and I was attracted by discovering and using the new infrastructure of the facilities.

“The lecturers were very patient with me as it was a difficult process to return to education after 15 years. The facilities are the best, the material and laboratory instruments are always available, and the new laboratories are fully equipped to practice yourself guided by your teacher to gain confidence.

“Studying at the College has benefited me as a person interested in developing my professional profile in the health science. Meeting my lecturers and learning from their experiences, and advice was a great experience and a great encouragement for my self-improvement. We also received some job opportunities during the course as a laboratory technical assistant linked to FVC partnership or a guide and offered support to start an apprenticeship in industrial sciences, which were great options."

“The College has helped give me the confidence to decide about my career and which path to take from the experience and advice of my lecturers. I am now an HNC student at the College.

I would recommended this course as it introduces you to laboratory work and sufficient hours of practice in the College’s new laboratories. You are guided and supervised by mentors who prepare you and guide you through the different paths to develop a professional profile for you in the health sciences. Also FVC has large and new facilities, and offers support from your lecturers if you have any particular need or circumstance.

“The best bit for me has been meeting my lecturers and learning from their experiences. They have all supported me to continue with the development of my professional profile. The lecturers also help and understand the needs of some students. As a mature student, I had the privilege of having my lecturer sit next to me and explain when I got stuck on solving a problem.”