Scholarships at Perth College UHI

Each year, we offer around 45 scholarships across the curriculum. Our scholarship programme is designed to support students who are committed to their studies, and keen to develop their skills to reach their full potential. Nicole Chatila was one of the lucky students to be awarded a two-week Sport and Fitness scholarship at Gleneagles Hotel. We caught up with Nicole to find out a bit more about her, and to see how she got on during her placement.

What were you doing before you came to college?

I was in 6th year at Perth Grammar School, but I left school early to join HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise.

Why did you decide to come to Perth College UHI?

I decided to come to Perth College UHI as it sounded like an amazing opportunity and offered exactly what I was looking for and more.

Why did you choose this course?

I’ve always been interested in fitness and health, and I’ve always known that I wanted to have a career in it, so this course included everything that I was interested in.

What do you like most about your course?

The experiences you get while being in the course. For example, getting to teach classes, work at gyms and constantly being surrounded with people that have the same interests as you.

How did you hear about the Scholarship at Gleneagles Hotel?

My lecturer, Lisa, told our class about the scholarships and emails were also sent out. I found the application easy to fill out and it didn’t take too long to complete either.

What did you do on your first day of the Scholarship?

I met the majority of the staff that I would be working with and we had a meeting to plan what I wanted to do with my time there, and what I wanted to get out of it. From there, a schedule was created. I also took part in a couple of classes and got shown around the gym.

What type of things did you do during the remainder of the Scholarship?

I took part in many fitness classes, set up the classes and helped with the upkeep of the gym – making sure that everything was neat and tidy. I also had a couple of one-to-one sessions with a personal trainer and created workout programmes. I chatted to a few of the instructors/personal trainers and got a better understanding of their background as well as seeing different styles of teaching and training. I learnt many things during my scholarship that will definitely benefit me later on.

What was your favourite part of the Scholarship?

Getting to know the staff and being able to use my knowledge in a real life situation such as in the gym by being able to help others. I got a lot of support from the staff at Gleneagles as they wanted you to get the most from the experience. It also helped that they were easy to speak to and get along with.

Do you think that the Scholarship experience will help you with your studies and future career?

Definitely, as it has given me a better understanding of a range of things and I have got to experience things that I will be able to use in the future.

What do you plan to do after you leave college?

After I finish my current course, I want to stay on to do the HND and then maybe do a degree, but I don’t know what I want to specialise in yet. Ultimately I would like to become a personal trainer and have my own business.

What would your advice be for anyone thinking about applying for a scholarship?

Just go for it! You will benefit so much from it if you do get the scholarship and you won’t regret trying.

If Nicole has inspired you to apply for a scholarship, take a look at the range of placements on offer here.