Matthew Clark HNC Childhood Practice
Matthew Clark is one of a growing number of males choosing to study Childcare at West Lothian College. He was happy to share his story.
"My name is Matthew Clark, I’m 26 and from Livingston. I am currently studying HNC Childhood Practice at West Lothian College and I am really enjoying it.
This isn’t my first time studying as I already have a degree in business but after graduating and was working a few jobs. I have to be honest, I was a bit disillusioned and decided to take a bit of time out to figure out my next move. I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in Childcare and that I would regret it if I didn’t at least give it a go. The College is close to where I live and I had heard a lot of good things from friends who have studied here in the past so I applied for HNC Childhood Practice. Fortunately I was accepted onto the course.
I’m finding the course to be really informative. There is so much more to Childcare than simply looking after children! I have really enjoyed the journey so far.
I know in the past Childcare has been seen as a women’s role. That never put me off applying for the course. Once I decided that’s what I wanted to do I went for it and never looked back. There’s absolutely no reason why men shouldn’t be able to do this job just as effectively as women and I haven’t been treated any differently just because I am a guy.
When I complete my HNC I hope to move onto HND Childhood Practice and then university to study Primary Teaching. I really want to be a teacher.
It has taken a bit of time to figure out that the Childcare sector was where I wanted to build my career but to be honest, I think the right time to study is when the time is right for you. Some people may figure out what they want to do when they are still at school and that’s great, everyone gets there in their own time. But I think I can now approach my studies with a determination and drive that may not have been there when I left school.
I guess you could call this the first chapter in my journey to teaching and it’s great to know I’m working towards a career that will be really rewarding."
To apply visit: HNC Childhood Practice at West Lothian College