“We can all have dreams.”

John Paul Guest’s passion for building things, and his desire to work in the construction industry, led him to City of Glasgow College and an NQ in Building Architecture and Quantity Surveying.

The 28 year old, who attended Cathkin High School in Cambuslang, wanted to become a bricklayer when he was at school and it was this ambition which made him choose college.

“During high school I was more interested in getting my hands dirty and building things. It was one of my many hobbies and so I decided to follow it through.

“An opportunity came up to go to college on a part-time basis for two years, to do construction trades, and that made me consider college when I was finishing school.”

Once John Paul completed his NQ he went on to do an HND in Architectural Conservation where he enjoyed learning about the more traditional trades within the construction industry.

“I wanted to obtain as many qualifications as I could to help my career.

“I often look back and am grateful that I attended City of Glasgow College. The lecturers were absolutely fantastic and extremely supportive. I suffer from ADHD and the support for students with disabilities is simply amazing.

“ADHD can be positive and drive me forward but other times it is difficult. There were occasions when I struggled with lectures and course work, but I always got the support I needed.”

On leaving college John Paul went to Glasgow Caledonian University and achieved a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying.

“The college helped me prepare for more demanding course work and for further study by simply supporting me and encouraging me at all times to do my very best and to be myself.”

John Paul has now been working for the last four and a half years as a technical support and logistics operator, and forklift driver, and hopes to one day have his own business as a logistics and smart technology expert