Ezekiel first learned about the HNC in Social Services at a Skills Scotland event. With aspirations to become a social worker, he was looking for the best path to university or a career in social care. While he wasn’t entirely sure which direction to take, his passion for helping people guided his decision.

“Since I was a kid, I’ve always liked helping people. When I got to high school, I saw people who struggled to navigate the complex system of support. It made me want to help others access the care they need and achieve their fullest potential.” says Ezekial.

After starting an HNC with Forth Valley College, Ezekiel was matched to a placement in the Dollar Park Dementia Service, with the support of Falkirk Council’s Training and Workforce Development team Ezekiel’s days at Dollar Park are dynamic, offering a variety of activities with people who access the service. From social lunches to exercise classes and community outings, every day is shaped by the choices and interests of the people being supported by the Dollar Park team.
On Thursdays, Ezekiel supports activities with the day group that operates from their Dundas Resource centre venue. Dundas provides day opportunities for adults with disabilities and also has close links to the dementia service at Dollar Park. This is a chance for partnership working with Dundas, to get out and about within the community, including walks around Grangemouth and trips to museums. This variety keeps the placement engaging and helps Ezekiel get to know the interests of people he is supporting.

For Ezekiel, the best part of his placement is the people. He values the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and learn from their experiences. The diversity of the staff and people at Dollar Park has broadened his perspective and enriched his learning.

“Everyone has been really welcoming and supportive. I was a little nervous at first but the support I have received through my mentor and the rest of the team has made it so easy.”

Ezekiel also encourages others to take the leap into social care: “You may not know what to expect, but it will be worth it. Even if it’s not what you thought you wanted, you might end up loving it more than you imagined.”

After completing his HNC and placement, Ezekiel is planning to study an undergraduate degree in Social Work but also hopes to continue volunteering in social care in the meantime.

The view from Dollar Park
Shirley, a social worker and Ezekiel’s mentor at Dollar Park, believes in the value of student placements: “I think every team should have a student in their service. It’s a pleasure to help the next generation start their career, and it also helps us reflect and develop too.
“Sometimes we do things automatically, and having a student ask questions encourages us to think critically about why we do what we do. The mentoring opportunities are also shared throughout the team, providing professional growth opportunities for us all.”
“If you want to encourage people to join social care, show them the positive side. Placements are the best way to bring people in and demonstrate the rewarding nature of the job.”

For Students For Services
To learn more about the HNC in Social Services, visit the Forth Valley College website.
Student placement opportunities are supported by Forth Valley College and Falkirk Council’s own Training and Workforce Development team.