Student Spotlight - Ewan Skinner
“I have never felt so supported throughout my learning as I do on this course.”
Next Steps 2 Learning is designed for young people who are unsure about what route to follow or need to gain the confidence and qualifications to progress. The course allows students to work towards SQA qualifications while gaining valuable experience of college and university life. Now at the end of the course, Ewan has developed the confidence to make an informed choice about where his career journey goes next👇
Can you introduce yourself?
Ewan Skinner. I live in Blairgowrie and take the bus into college every day.
What course are you currently studying at UHI Perth?
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard about UHI Perth at Blairgowrie High School from my teacher at the time. He brought up the link course after having a few induction visits to the campus. I attended the link course for about 12 weeks in the academic year prior to starting college full time. The course helped me to meet the lecturers and other students and get a better understanding as to what happens at college.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I was in sixth year at Blairgowrie High School before I joined the link course. The link course was for two hours on a Thursday and gave me confidence in planning my journey to college.
Why did you decide on this course?
I was reviewing my choices for leaving school and decided that this course could give me a chance to progress onto other course within the college. I am interested in the creative industries which will include music, art and sound design - which I am passionate about.
What is your favourite thing about course?
I feel this course has given me the opportunity to try lots of different subjects while giving me the chance and confidence to express myself socially. It has given me a boost of freedom.
Has there been any standout/ memorable moments from the course?
Getting to meet a bunch of new people, several of which I now can call my closest friends has to be my favourite memory of the course.
What knowledge and skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
The creative and practical tasks have given me a wide range of skills to use for my own projects and gave me tools that I didn’t know I could use, for example using an airbrush, screen printing, and other painting techniques that I can use in my hobbies.
Have you undertaken a placement or any work whilst at UHI Perth?
Not during the course, but I have in the past. We did get advice from some groups on those next steps, like the YMCA Tayside visit we had.
Have lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Absolutely, I have never felt so supported throughout my learning as I do on this course. My friends, lecturers and the staff are always at my side when needed.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I felt it was the right opportunity to take on the role as Class Representative to the student forum meetings with HISA. This helped me listen to others concerns and questions and give those comments a voice to be heard across the college.
What do you like about campus/ facilities?
I like that the campus is organised into different subject styles for each building, with the Goodlyburn building revolving around creative industries, the ASW for sport etc.
Have you enjoyed your time at UHI Perth?
Yes, and I have already signed up to join another course in September this year.
Do you have any hobbies and interests outside of your studies?
Yes, I am extremely interested in cosplaying and travel to comic conventions across Scotland with a group of friends who do similar military and tactical-themed outfits. I have even invited some of my course friends to a convention in Dundee. Going to these conventions gives me an immense sense of confidence, testing my skills by making the costumes and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
What are your future career plans?
I’m not entirely sure, possibly a career selling commissioned cosplay accessories or so with the skills I have learned here.
And finally, any advice would you give to anyone thinking of studying at UHI Perth?
It may be incredibly awkward when settling in, I know that from experience, but I guarantee you that you are not alone on this campus and all the support you will need to settle in is always available within just a few steps.
