#NoWrongPath
Yesterday was exam results day for students in Scotland. At Hillcrest, we know how nerve wracking receiving exam results can be, and that’s why we’re supporting the #NoWrongPath campaign – an initiative that aims to reassure students that no matter what results they achieved, there is no right or wrong path on their journey to finding a career or job role that’s right for them!
Yesterday, we heard from our new Chief Executive John Alexander, who shared some of his career journey experiences. Today, one of our younger members of staff, Aidan Clark, talks about what he has done since leaving school, and how the path he followed has led to job success and shaped the person he is today.
A bit about me:
My name is Aidan and I have recently been hired as a Finance Assistant within Hillcrest after 2 years of apprenticeship, currently I am trying to get to grips with a new role and having to learn everything about work again. I spend my free time helping run Dundee’s local Wargame club and travelling Scotland to play in card game tournaments, this has allowed me to meet many new people and build friendships all over the country.
From school to my first job:
After leaving school I went to college to study Humanities, I spent a year doing this before deciding that full time education was not for me and that I would rather be working. I took temporary roles at Tesco and the Golf Open over the summer of 2022, before eventually finding my way to Hillcrest as an apprentice in business admin with Tenant Services. I was enticed by the idea of working and gaining experience in an office while still working towards a qualification.
My experience at Hillcrest:
From the moment I started, my team was welcoming and very keen to see me develop, both in my job role and as a person. They constantly pushed me to challenge myself and get me out of my comfort zone and ultimately, their support helped me get to the position I am in now. During my apprenticeship, I further developed my customer service skills as I was responsible for contacting tenants and assisting them in a variety of meaningful ways.
Advice for young people finishing school who are looking for employment:
My advice for anyone leaving school is to not be bogged down with what they feel like is the only path open to them, the future is full of surprises, and you never know where it may lead you.
The #NoWrongPath movement is led by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).