THE first ever Scottish Careers Week begins on Monday (November 15) and a local businessman has spoken about how going to college helped him in his career.

Running between November 15 and 19, Scottish Careers Week is open to pupils, parents and anyone looking to take the next step in their career.

Colleges Scotland is encouraging people to consider a college course as a "first stop" on their way to a new career.

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Ross Dickinson, of Walkerburn, has shared his experiences of attending Borders College when he was 24-years-old.

He said: “When I left school, I had no qualifications and no confidence. No one wanted me.

"After my dyslexia was diagnosed, I decided I had to give something a try and fancied plumbing at Borders College. The lecturers were so incredibly supportive of me and gave me such a confidence boost." 

After studying a Plumbing Services SVQ course at the college, Ross went on to work with a number of firms before starting his own plumbing business.

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He then designed an emergency repair clamp which he has since patented and set up Kibosh Ltd. – the clamps now sell all over the world and are set to be trialled in the North Sea.

Ross added: “I patented the clamps and that’s where my focus is now.

"But none of this would have happened and I wouldn’t have had this career without having gone to Borders College.

"It’s something I would recommend to anyone.”

Scottish Careers Week is being run by Skills Development Scotland in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce and the Young Person's Guarantee and will offer a number of events to help people achieve their career goals.

Skills Development Scotland have a range of resources open to those thinking about their careers, including advice for young people looking to make college or university applications.

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Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said: “Colleges can lead to the achievement of career dreams.

"There are numerous examples of high-level success from cutting-edge science to beauty revolutionaries, world-class sporting achievement and broadcast breakthroughs, award-winning catering or innovative and inventive entrepreneurship.

“Scotland’s colleges make outstanding contributions to the lives of our students, allowing them to achieve their true potential.

"Our graduates, whether studying full time or part time, in further and higher education, also provide Scotland’s economy with a highly skilled workforce which is much needed as we recover from the pandemic.”

For more information, and to access virtual events during Scottish Careers Week, visit: www.myworldofwork.co.uk/scottish-careers-week