Claire’s career takes a new direction with Data Science training

For some years now, a digital narrative has become increasingly more familiar to us all, as technology is ever-developing and changing the way we live, work, and study on what seems a daily basis.

Fully funded training is now available at Borders College to help those looking to learn the basics of Data Science through the Skills for a Modern Working Environment award, with a view to forging a new career or simply boosting their current skillset. Claire Fisher is one such student who has taken advantage of this new initiative. Read her story below:

My name is Claire Fisher and I am 33 years old. I have always worked as a Carer in many different aspects of care. I have used Word before but had not really used some of the computer programs since school, 15 years ago. 

I chose to do the course as I was between jobs when COVID-19 hit and got shielded so became unemployed. The Job Centre recommended this course to help give me more skills to give me more job opportunities. I also love to learn new skills, so it was a win, win situation. Computer skills are important in most jobs these days, so I wanted to learn new and refresh old skills.

I found the online learning excellent and was able to work through at my own pace and, if some bits took more attempts, I could go back over it again as many times as I needed to.

There was lots of support available on Microsoft Teams so we could chat to each other, the people on the course and to our lecturer Jill. Jill was great and always available by email or message chat on Teams. We could do video chats also if we needed them. She was always checking in to see how it was going, which was great. 

I would defiantly 100% recommend the course.  It was great and I learned lots of new skills, as well as refreshing some new ones and I feel so confident on a computer now more than I did. It was all explained well, and it was a nice length of course. I loved it so much and I found it so interesting.

The Skills for a Modern Working Environment course is designed to prepare adults with some of the skills they will require to enter or re-enter the job market. The award is at SCQF Level 4 and is aimed at those who are currently unemployed or facing redundancy.

Participants will study qualifications in Data Citizenship and Data Science, as well as Core Skills. Within the short space of four months or less, students will gain a National Progression Award qualification which can be used to gain employment in the digital sector or progress to a further level of study.

The fully-funded course comprises of online self-directed study with support from a Borders College Assessor. Devices are available if required.

So if you are unemployed, a woman returning to work or someone facing redundancy, then why not find out more about Data Science training at Borders College by clicking here.