Elaine McGhee

After losing her dad suddenly, forty-year-old, Elaine McGhee realised life was too short and took a leap of faith to pursue her dream career working with children as an Education Support Assistant.

Elaine said, “I worked as a Professional Banker for 13 years for RBS, and post covid the job changed, and I wasn’t enjoying it as much. I’d always wanted to work with children in an education setting but thought I wasn’t clever enough. When my dad died It made me realise life is too short and gave me the push, I needed to take the plunge.

‘I’ve enjoyed my time at college, the lecturers are great, they are so supportive and always there to offer help and advice when needed. What I liked about the course was the fact that we got to do placement within a school. Being able to put into practice the knowledge and skills learned in class within a classroom environment has been really beneficial. It gave me a good understanding of the expectations of my role and prepared me for any challenging situations that may arise.

‘I’ve made some great friendships. We’re all here for the same thing with the same goals so it’s a positive and supportive environment which you need as it can be challenging at times to juggle study, work and home life.

'I'm delighted to have been appointed a Learning Assistant position within West Dunbartonshire Council and am very much looking forward to this next chapter.”