< Info : Case Studies : Dougie

Dougie - Access to Science - Ambulance Service Team Manager

"I am a 40-year-old father of two. I did well at school but was bored and left after taking my 'O' Grades. I started working as a Lab Technician in various secondary schools in the West of Scotland. I gained the appropriate qualifications on a day-release basis and eventually became a Senior Technician. I worked as a Technician for 16 years and during this time got married and had two children.

Personal circumstances at this time meant my life was in a bit of a turmoil and there were so many changes taking place that I decided to "go the whole hog" and telephoned a university to ask how I would go about enrolling on a course. They told me about SWAP and within two weeks I had handed in my notice. Six weeks later I started on my SWAP Access Programme.

I started at my local college on the Access to Maths and Science Programme. At first I thought that I had made a dreadful mistake. Subjects that I had found relatively easy at school I was now having difficulty with but I persevered and eventually things slotted into place and I did well in the course. Starting university was all I expected and more. I was well prepared and thoroughly enjoyed my four years. It was hard work. Financially it was not easy but I met lots of interesting people and benefited a great deal from the experience.

I now work for the Scottish Ambulance Service and feel far more contented in my work.

My advice to other adults is GO FOR IT! Think carefully about what you want to do and choose a degree that suits you. It is not always easy to find employment and a degree is not a guarantee but having said that it is a wonderful experience and one that you will cherish."