< Info : Case Studies : Chris

Chris - Access to IT - degree in Multimedia Systems - Web Developer

"I did not enjoy school and felt bored all the time except in the computing class, because I really enjoyed playing on computers. So, I left at 16 with a few Standard Grades, desperate to start work, earn my own money and be independent. For several years, I just drifted from one casual job to the other and most of my money would go on computer games and PC upgrades.

I got a new job delivering sandwiches in offices in the morning on top of the bar job I already had. One of the companies where I was delivering sandwiches was a Multimedia/Web Developer Business. Three guys worked there and the jobs they seemed to be doing looked really interesting. Suddenly I thought ... here I am, 21, with no proper job prospects. Maybe I could transform my hobby into a real job?

The next morning, I decided to ask these guys if they could tell me a little bit about what they did and how to get qualified. I was totally fascinated by what they had to say and they strongly encouraged me to make contact with my local college to find out about courses I could do. The minute I got home that night after my bar job I was on the internet and noticed my local college offered a SWAP Access to IT. I applied for it and I have never looked back since then.

Given my lack of study skills techniques and bad time management in the early period, the Access Programme was tough going at times. While I excelled in the practical assessments, I struggled with the academic side of the course. Luckily, a SWAP Access Programme includes a Preparation for Higher Education course covering 'how we learn' and 'learning skills'. This course also covers how to prepare for exams once at university. I don't think I could have survived without it. All in all the SWAP Access Programme gave me confidence in my academic abilities and a realisation that I could achieve a degree.

I went on to do an Honours degree in Multimedia Systems and I am now working as a Web Developer for the Multimedia Company where I used to deliver sandwiches! I would encourage anyone thinking of returning to education to go for IT. It will change their whole life for the better. I only wish I'd done it sooner."