From HIVE (Hope, Inspiration and Vision in Education) student to Employability and Engagement Officer at Ayrshire College. Lesley-Anne Moyles tells us her story

Lesley-Anne Moyles tells us about her time studying with Ayrshire College on different HIVE (Hope, Inspiration and Vision in Education) courses and how it led to her current role as an Employability and Engagement Officer at Ayrshire College.

What is your current role at Ayrshire College? How long have you worked here?

I have worked with the college since 2017, as a bank EEO and Community Learning Facilitator. Currently I am a full time Employability and Engagement Officer.

Can you give me a brief outline of what your role involves?

I work with level 4 students across most curriculum areas (Hair and Beauty, Early Years, Care, Motor Vehicles, Gardening & Horticulture, Carpentry & Joinery, Painting & Decorating) to support them and help to develop their transferrable skills. It can range from looking at health and well-being, to writing CVs and holding mock interviews, to mini projects such as visiting nursing homes, sponsored walks, virtual escape rooms and helping in the community.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy working with a variety of students from all backgrounds and across most curriculum areas means that no day is ever the same. I love working with such a diverse range of students and hearing lots of different ideas for projects that we can become involved in.

I love watching students grow in confidence and seeing their ability to progress onto their next level. I love bumping into former level 4 students and hearing what they have gone on to achieve.

Why would you say Ayrshire College is a great place to work?

Ayrshire College is an inclusive workplace which values all staff and students. Everyone is so friendly and supportive of our students.

What did you study before your current role?

I studied Social Care at Ayr campus (Level 4 to HNC) before going on to study Psychology at UWS in Paisley. I was able to work bank shifts at the college while studying for my degree.

Did you enjoy it and why?

I loved my time at college. I met some great people through my time as a student and made friendships which will last a lifetime. Having been out of education for about 12 years, college gave me the knowledge, experience, and confidence to apply for university and step into this line of work.

Would you recommend the course?

Yes 100%! It was a great course which allowed me to develop knowledge in a wide range of areas which has helped not only in my working life, but also my personal life too. It also gave me the inspiration to go on and study Psychology, something I had never considered before. The lecturers were great, and the support was excellent.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting the course?

Go for it!

How did your college course help you prepare for this role? 

During my HNC year I was put on placement with the Prince’s Trust based in Ayrshire College. Here I was able to develop and nurture the skills and knowledge that I had learned in class into a working environment. I had great guidance and leadership from the Team Leader, Tony Kane, and still to this day I can approach Tony for any help or advice. I was lucky to be asked by Tony to stay on as an Assistant Team Leader once my placement had finished and I was then approached by a member of staff and asked to apply for the role of EEO as people within the college recognised my abilities. I was successful in gaining a bank position which allowed me to study and gain my first-class honours degree in Psychology alongside working.

Before my placement I was adamant that I did not want to work with youths, but after seeing the benefits and difference that can be made, I soon changed my mind. Having been a level 4 student myself, I feel I can relate well with my students and share some of my experiences.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting this career?

Be prepared to think on your feet as no day is ever the same and all the best laid plans can change in an instant!

To view all of our HIVE (Hope, Inspiration and Vision in Education) courses, click here