Glasgow learner in his 50s builds new career in social care

A learner in his 50s who came to Scotland speaking French has built a career caring for others, thanks to a flexible progression pathway that took him from a qualification in English for Speakers of Other Languages, all the way to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Social Services.

Cyprien Bayekelua is beginning a new career after progressing through Glasgow Clyde College's Social Services pathway, which uses Qualifications Scotland's vocational and professional qualifications to support learners entering, developing and progressing within the health and social care sector.

His story is one of many that illustrates how vocational qualifications can offer flexible and inclusive routes into employment, and how life experience and determination can be just as valuable as a traditional academic background.

Cyprien said: 'I chose Social Services because I truly believe that caring for others is a natural gift. I have been supporting my mother and my family since a young age, and this lifelong experience is another reason why I chose this path.'

Over four years at Glasgow Clyde College, Cyprien progressed through a series of qualifications designed to build both academic knowledge and workplace competence, moving through Social Care Level 4, Access to Social Care Level 5, Social Care Level 6 and finally a HNC in Social Services. 'I enjoyed every single moment,' he said of his time completing the courses.

Glasgow Clyde College designed the Social Services pathway to create an accessible progression route that meets the needs of both learners and employers, while addressing workforce demands within the care sector. The programme is built to develop learners' professional knowledge, practical skills and confidence, enabling them to provide high-quality, person-centred support across a range of care settings.

The pathway embeds Qualifications Scotland's wider portfolio of vocational and professional qualifications, ranging from those at SCQF level 4, through to a Professional Development Award in Leadership and Management for Care Services at SCQF level 9. This gives learners the opportunity to develop both theoretical understanding and workplace competence, and to demonstrate their skills in real working environments while gaining nationally recognised awards valued by employers across the sector.

For Cyprien, the pathway offered far more than just qualifications: 'My studies have upgraded my academic knowledge and strengthened my professional confidence,' he said. 'Learning about Scottish care standards has helped me build self-belief and prepare for my next step of entering the workforce.'

Alongside his professional development, Cyprien built a wide range of new skills, both personal and practical. 'I have gained many new skills, including improving my English language, grammar, and vocabulary.' he said. 'I have developed leadership qualities, calmness, understanding, and patience. I also learned not to judge people's thoughts or experiences, which I consider a very important skill in social care.'

The journey was not without its challenges. 'I have faced several personal challenges, including age and language,' Cyprien explained. 'Being in my 50s means I need resilience and a strong mindset to attend college every day and complete assessments.'

'With language, sometimes I felt pressure when participating in discussions. If I felt my English was not coming out correctly, I would lose confidence and stop contributing.' Reflecting on how he overcame these barriers, he added: 'These challenges were difficult, but they also helped me grow stronger and more determined.'

The Social Services pathway has been particularly valuable for adult learners, those returning to education, and individuals seeking a career change, offering flexible progression opportunities that recognise both workplace learning and professional experience. Learners have used their qualifications to progress into employment across health and social care services, including residential care and community support services.

Others have moved from frontline support roles into more senior or supervisory positions, met professional requirements within the sector, progressed to further study at college or university in areas such as social work, community education, nursing and related disciplines, or developed leadership and management skills through advanced qualifications.

For Cyprien, the path ahead is clear. 'My future plan is to continue supporting elderly service users because that work is meaningful to me.' he said.

At Glasgow Clyde College, the Social Services qualifications demonstrate how vocational and professional qualifications can provide effective routes into employment and further study, supporting learners at different stages of their lives and careers while helping meet the workforce needs of Scotland's health and social care sector.