Kristina Curran’s ambition to complete an NPA in Painting and Decorating at City of Glasgow College proved to be an inspired decision.

She excelled academically, graduated with an HND in Building Surveying and went on to university.

The return to full time education for the 26 year old came in 2012 when her youngest son started nursery.

“Studying at college gave me the foundation for a prosperous future, career and life, not only for myself but for both my children.”

Having achieved an A in her HND graded unit, Kristina could articulate directly into third year BSc Building Surveying at Glasgow Caledonian University.

“I would recommend college to everyone. Before, I would never have considered university as I didn’t think I was good enough. I believe college set me up for university really well and helped me achieve my First Class Honours degree.

“I’m the first in my family to attend university, and the only one in my peer group. I was in and out of the care system due to an unstable home life, which saw me living in 15 different homes and attending seven different schools. To this day I still live in social housing.”

After graduating, Kristina was headhunted by construction and property consultant, Brown Wallace, as their graduate building surveyor. 

This role was short-lived as Kristina’s passion was to work in the public sector where she could make a difference in social housing. Within three months she secured her dream job with the Wheatley Group.

Now working through a three year graduate apprenticeship programme with the company - training as a repairs investment and compliance officer - Kristina has big plans for her future.

“I hope to build my own home one day. And all this stemmed from doing the painting and decorating course at City of Glasgow College just a few years ago!”