伊人直播

After nearly two decades in policing, including over 14 years as a General Purpose Police Dog Handler, Claire has taken a bold step in a new direction鈥攔eturning to education to pursue a passion for animal welfare.

Currently enrolled in the HNC Animal Care course at 伊人直播 Aberdeen, Claire explains her motivation clearly: 鈥淚 have always been interested in working with animals, and I felt this would be a good introduction, increasing my knowledge and providing me with a strong foundation when considering my future options.鈥�

Claire鈥檚 previous career played a significant role in shaping this path. Reflecting on the transition, she says: 鈥淢y personal circumstances changed unexpectedly, rather than feel low about what I was walking away from, I viewed it as the perfect opportunity to continue learning about animals with the goal to get a new career at the end of my studies.鈥�

Working closely with police dogs proved especially influential. 鈥淲orking with the Police Dogs highlighted to me the need to always look for ways to improve their health, wellbeing and training,鈥� Claire explains. This hands-on experience sparked a deeper interest in canine welfare and development, reinforced by colleagues in the field: 鈥淢y previous role introduced me to many passionate Working Dog advocates who share the desire to give the dogs the best life they possibly can. The drive and dedication they show daily is motivational.鈥�

Returning to education as a mature student has been both rewarding and demanding. On the positives, Claire shares: 鈥淭he most exciting thing about being a mature student is getting to study subjects that I would have loved to study when I was school leaving age but didn鈥檛 have the awareness of what was available to me at the time.鈥�

However, the adjustment hasn鈥檛 been without its challenges: 鈥淭he most challenging thing is getting my mind into study mode. It is a fast-moving course, with plenty to digest.鈥� Despite this, Claire remains committed and organised, adding: 鈥淚 plan and schedule when and what I will study, whilst keeping up with my external responsibilities鈥� I鈥檓 enjoying the learning.鈥�

For others considering a similar leap, Claire鈥檚 advice is honest and encouraging: 鈥淚t is a big adjustment鈥� but I am enjoying the challenge of learning more about animal care and I would say to anyone considering it to take that chance.鈥�

Looking ahead, the ambitions continue to evolve. 鈥淎n area I would like to focus on is dog welfare and behaviour,鈥� Claire says, while also remaining open to new possibilities: 鈥淏eing at 伊人直播 has allowed me to see what other opportunities and courses there are available that I wasn't aware of.鈥� Future plans may include progressing to an HND, university-level study in animal behaviour, or pursuing a hands-on role such as a Veterinary Care Assistant.

With a strong foundation already built through real-world experience and a clear passion for animal welfare, Claire is well on her way to shaping a meaningful second career.