Students
John Messeter
Access to University (Humanities)
I left school at 16 with no qualifications and after many years working in retail and customer service, I noticed that people with degrees were being promoted before me. I found out about SWAP after calling University of Dundee and, after a year at Dundee and Angus College completing the SWAP Access Programme, I haven’t looked back.
I am now in third year at Dundee University and love it. My advice for anyone thinking of going back to education is to do it. SWAP offers a fantastic opportunity to further your education and improve your career prospects
Fast forward to 2021. I'm delighted to say that I finished my degree, Geography with German in 2020 with a 2:1. In January 2021 I applied for PDGE primary teaching which will hopefully start in September 2021. Due to Covid there is very little else happening workwise although, currently, I am working with a team of tree surgeons on a mix of domestic and commercial work.
I am now in third year at Dundee University and love it. My advice for anyone thinking of going back to education is to do it. SWAP offers a fantastic opportunity to further your education and improve your career prospects
Fast forward to 2021. I'm delighted to say that I finished my degree, Geography with German in 2020 with a 2:1. In January 2021 I applied for PDGE primary teaching which will hopefully start in September 2021. Due to Covid there is very little else happening workwise although, currently, I am working with a team of tree surgeons on a mix of domestic and commercial work.
Life is still very busy for me and my family though as my wife and I continue to foster children for Angus council.
2025 has left me in a different place than where I had thought I would be. I did not got to teacher training but instead started working for my local council where I work with 16 to 20 year olds who are currently not in education or work. I work closely with schools, local college, and other partners to help the young people overcome barriers that are stopping them from moving on. My own history helps me connect with the young people and hopefully shows them that just because they are not in education or work they can still over come their challanges and achieve their goals.
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