No wrong path: Skye, from a child and healthcare college course to HR Administrator
Our 'No wrong path’ stories support the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) campaign for young people who may feel disheartened by their exam results or aren’t sure what their next step after school should be. Colleagues from across Team Robertson who were in that same position share their experiences of leaving school and getting to where they are now – and show that there’s no right or wrong path.
A self-confessed chatterbox at school, Skye left aged 15 after losing all confidence that she'd pass her exams. Here's her journey to HR Administrator and the start of a great early career with Team Robertson.
What was school like for you?
I was a chatterbox at school and always getting told off or moved to the front of the class. I lost all confidence and motivation, and was sure I wasn’t going to pass any of my exams so left aged 15. That meant my only option was to go to college, so I started a course in Child and Healthcare. I lasted three months, going back to a classroom environment really didn’t suit me.
Tell us about your next steps:
I applied for a nursery apprenticeship as I’m more suited to practical learning, but it didn’t take long to realise that a nursery environment wasn’t for me either.
The big surprise came when my exam results arrived – I’d passed them all with flying colours. I did think about going back to school to do sixth year but by then was too used to earning money, and on reflection why go back to the classroom if it didn’t suit me the first time around?
I liked the idea of an office-based job and secured an admin role at Cumbernauld Airport where I completed an administration apprenticeship in nine months, earning a Digital Application Support Diploma. I really enjoyed it, it was a small private airport with only myself and two others in the office so I learned a lot. However, because it was a small business there was nowhere to progress to – and I was ready for a next step.
What brought you to Robertson?
I was on the lookout for job opportunities when I came across a Learning & Development Administrator role with Robertson Facilities Management. From the very start I was encouraged to learn and get involved. I hit it off with the team and liked working in L&D – helping others makes me feel good.
When I’m tasked with something I want to do it to the highest standard. The team recognised that in me and encouraged me to take up a HR Administrator role for further development. Now with a few months behind me I can see there are so many pathways in HR which opens more opportunities.
I have a fun and supportive team around me and I’m always kept in the loop about what’s happening in the business. Robertson really promotes young people so I know that if I work hard, there will be other good things ahead.
What’s your message for any young person disheartened by their grades or not sure what their next step should be?
At the end of the day, exam results aren’t the be all and end all. Put yourself forward when you see an opportunity and if it’s not for you then look for something different, once you find something you’re good at you’ll grow to love it. If you’re like me and don’t enjoy the classroom setting, then I really recommend an apprenticeship