Carys gained an HNC Mechanical Engineering at City of Glasgow College after dropping out of University.

Although she gained eight standard and eight higher grades, Carys felt the jump academically from school was too wide.

“I also felt too young and isolated as no-one from my school went to the university I attended. I was studying physics and didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I also wasn’t sure about job prospects because some older friends who had graduated hadn’t founds jobs in the field,” explained Carys.

“I made the decision to change to engineering and tried to transfer, but discovered the highers I’d passed three years’ earlier were not enough to gain entry into any of the engineering degrees.”

Having also taken a break for personal reasons, Cary chose to go to college to pick up on her maths and physics while also learning specifically about engineering. After looking into what was on offer, she decided City of Glasgow College had by far the best engineering course.

“College was a great experience as it was the right balance between the teaching methods you experience at school and at university where it isn't entirely hands off. The lecturers were all extremely friendly and helpful and the college itself has fantastic resources.

“I found the subjects difficult at first due to my break in education, but lecturers and fellow classmates helped out so I was able to catch up really quickly.”

For Carys, college bridged the gap between secondary and university education. It brought her up to speed with her studies and taught her engineering skills that better prepared her for further study. She is now at Strathclyde University doing a BEng Electrical & Mechanical Engineering.

“I hope to go on and study a Masters or complete a graduate scheme with Network Rail where I am currently a Track Intern. I am an IET Engineering Bursary Horizons Winner so ultimately would like to achieve professional registration within the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology).

Find out more about our Engineering courses still accepting applications.