Student Spotlight - Amelia Slama-Awe
“The courses are very supportive and hands-on, and you’ll get great guidance from your assessor. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally.”
Early Years and Childcare is a growth industry requiring new and talented people to enter the workforce. At UHI Perth, we offer a range of relevant and registrable qualifications for those wishing to work in this exciting and important sector. We met a student who completed their course alongside their job in a primary school to find out how they found the experience.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Amelia Slama-Awe and I’m originally from Poland.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
I completed my SVQ Level 3 in Social Services for Children and Young People in the summer of 2025. I did my NQ Social Services Children and Young People the year before.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard about the college from my friends when I first moved down here from Poland.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I work at a primary school in Perth as Pupil Support Assistant.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I chose the SVQ Level 3 in Social Services for Children and Young People because I have a strong passion for working with children and supporting their development. I’ve always enjoyed helping young people grow, learn, and overcome challenges, and I wanted to gain the qualifications and skills to do this professionally.
This course is also a great step for progressing in my career within the childcare and social services sector. It provides practical, work-based learning that’s directly relevant to what I want to do. I believe it will help me become more confident, competent, and knowledgeable in providing high-quality care and support for children and young people.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
One of my favourite things about this course is to have Allison McLeod as my assessor. She has been incredibly supportive, encouraging, and understanding throughout my SVQ Level 3 course.
Her guidance has made a big difference in helping me stay focused and confident, especially when things felt challenging. I couldn’t have done it without her support.
Allison always takes the time to explain things clearly and gives constructive feedback that helps me improve and grow. She’s approachable, kind, and genuinely cares about my progress. I really appreciate all the effort she puts into helping me succeed. Having an assessor like this has made a big difference in my learning journey.
Another great thing about this course is how practical and hands-on it is. I really enjoy being able to apply what I learn directly in my day-to-day work with children and young people. It helps me see the real impact of what I’m learning, and I feel like I’m growing both professionally and personally.
I also appreciate how the course focuses on understanding each child as an individual - their needs, rights, and how best to support them. It’s very rewarding to learn ways to make a positive difference in their lives.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Yes, one that really sticks with me was an activity I led with the children — it was a creative, hands-on session where they were fully engaged, asking questions and having fun. Seeing their excitement and curiosity reminded me why I chose this career path.
There was also a funny moment when the children started asking my assessor, Allison McLeod, loads of random questions. She handled it so well and it made the visit feel relaxed and natural. It was lovely to see the children feel so comfortable and confident around us.
One child in particular stayed with me. Their personality, the way they open up over time, and how much they grew during my placement really touched me. Building that bond and seeing their progress reminded me how powerful positive support can be in a child’s life.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
Throughout the SVQ Level 3 course at UHI Perth, I’ve gained a wide range of knowledge and practical skills that will really support me in my future career. I’ve developed a strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, health and safety, and how to meet the individual needs of children and young people.
I’ve also improved my communication skills - both with children and with colleagues - and learned how to build positive, trusting relationships. I now feel much more confident in handling challenging situations, working as part of a team, and keeping accurate records and reports.
Overall, this course has helped me become more professional, reflective, and prepared for working in a childcare or social services setting.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
One of my proudest achievements during the SVQ Level 3 has been completing the course while continuing to work. Balancing full time work and study taught me strong time-management, organisation and resilience. I also received very positive feedback from my assessor for professional practice, communication, and ability to build trusting relationships with children and colleagues.
Along this journey, I’ve achieved more than just completing the coursework, I’ve grown in confidence - especially in my ability to work independently and take initiative in a professional setting. I’ve also improved my time management and organisational skills, balancing study with work responsibilities.
Another achievement I’m proud of is becoming more reflective in my practice I’ve learned to look at what I do, think about what’s working, and make improvements where needed. This mindset will help me continue growing in my career.
Most importantly, I’ve built strong, positive relationships with both children and colleagues, and that has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
The laptop loan and the opening times of the library was convenient for me.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I’ve really enjoyed studying at UHI Perth. It’s been a supportive and rewarding experience from start to finish. One of the main highlights for me has been the encouragement and guidance from my assessor - Allison McLeod - she made the whole process feel achievable and always believed in me, even when I doubted myself.
Another highlight was being able to apply what I was learning in real-life settings during my placement. It was amazing to see how the theory connected to practice, and it helped me grow so much in confidence.
I’ve also really appreciated the flexibility of the course, it allowed me to balance work, study, and family life without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, it’s been a very positive journey and a big step forward in my career.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
Yes, I have quite a few hobbies and interests outside of my studies. I love travelling with my family - exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. I also really enjoy trying new foods wherever we go.
In my spare time, I like reading books, watching football, and staying active. I’ve always loved sport, and recently I’ve been enjoying Pilates as a way to stay fit and relaxed. Keeping a good balance between study, work, and personal interests is important to me.
What are your future career plans?
To continue working with children, as it’s something I’m passionate about and find very rewarding. I’m open to new opportunities that allow me to grow and develop my skills further within the childcare and social services sector.
I’m especially interested in working as an Early Childhood Practitioner, where I can support young children’s development in a nurturing and stimulating environment. I’m excited to keep learning, take on new challenges, and make a positive difference in children’s lives as I move forward in my career.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
My advice to anyone thinking about studying at UHI Perth is to go for it especially if you’re passionate about working with people and want to build real, practical skills. The courses are very supportive and hands-on, and you’ll get great guidance from your assessor.
It’s a place where you’re encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally. Even if you’re working or have other commitments, the flexible learning approach makes it possible to balance everything.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, stay organised, and believe in yourself. It’s a journey worth taking, and the experience will open doors for your future.
