​Silvie and her family moved to Scotland eight years ago from Poland.

Difficulties with language proved to be the biggest barrier to her learning in the first few weeks and months in school.
However in her broad general education she achieved well at third and fourth levels demonstrating real ability and skill in technological subjects.

In S4 Silvie studied most subjects at National 5 level and continued English and PE at National 4.

She also got a place on the school/business link programme, which gave her the opportunity of a vocational placement at a local Call Centre on two afternoons every week for the school year.

Silvie left school at the end of S4 having secured a modern apprenticeship with her local council on a twelve month fixed term contract.

Through her apprenticeship she studied for SVQ level 3 ICT professional Qualification. Following a very successful year, Silvie secured a permanent position with the council and continued on-the-job training and study at SVQ level 4.

I came to live in Scotland from Poland when I was quite young and found it very difficult to understand the language here. I got lots of support from the school, especially in language, and this helped me to do well in most of my courses. I did think about staying on at school and then going to college as I really enjoy learning but I wanted to get a job as soon as I could so that I could start earning money. A modern apprenticeship is ideal for me as it means that I get the best of both worlds - I am working and earning a wage but still have the opportunity to learn and improve now and in the future.
Silvie