< Info : Case Studies : Steven

Steven - Access to Science - Degree in Electrical Engineering

"I did not have the happiest time at school. My parents had a number of problems and I attended a number of secondary schools. Learning did not seem that important and I never really settled down. I was always really interested in numbers and science programmes on television. No one though was that interested in me or what I thought.

I left school as soon as possible and drifted for a while. I was not really interested in the jobs that were on offer and did a number of different sort of projects and a series of jobs to give me enough money to live on. I was taking part in a computer course at my local library, just for something to do. One of the tutors who helped out as a volunteer got on really well with me. He encouraged me to contact the College to talk about doing some more computer courses. I was really nervous about going to the College but they were really helpful and explained about the different courses I could take. The Access to Science course just caught my eye as being something I would be interested in. I had no qualifications and thought it would be better studying in the Access class.

Looking back, what surprised me most was the social side of the class. I had decided that I would keep myself to myself and just try and work as hard as possible. I had always found it quite hard to make friends but as soon as the class met I got on really well with everyone there. I found I had a lot in common with them and I really enjoyed the studying. Maths was hard to begin with but I found that I started to pick it up. I was also beginning to help out some of the others which really helped my confidence. I had not really thought about what I was going to do next but the tutors were really focussed on what we were going to do next. I took a lot of advice and began to speak to a tutor about what I could do with maths. He encouraged me to attend open days at the local Universities. I felt "at home" in the engineering department. I began to explore this and applied for a degree in Electrical Engineering. Again my tutors helped me choose a degree that would mean that I had a qualification that would be recognised by employers. I am really indebted to them for their help.

My friends on the Access Programme went on to do different things though I still keep in touch with them. I was really nervous about starting the degree but the one thing the Access year taught me was that I did have the confidence to ask for help. I was able to make the most of my time at University because I feel I was able to talk to the lecturers and to ask when I was stuck. I would never have thought someone like me could go on to be an engineer. During the degree it is interesting how a lot of the advice I received from the Access Programme has fallen into place. Being a bit older than the others in the class has not been a disadvantage.

I am in the final year of my degree. I have a job sorted out and feel I am ready for my next challenge. I am putting together my final year project with my supervisor looking at the next generation of microchips. I have given a poster presentation to local employers and have received a lot of positive feedback so far. I have a lot to thank my tutor for who spotted my potential."