Twenty-five years ago, a career in nursing was far from Jon Wallace’s plan. After leaving school and starting work as a joiner, the idea of returning to education years later wasn’t on his mind.
But sometimes an unexpected moment can make you rethink where you’re heading.
As we celebrate 25 years of the SCQF during SCQF Week 2026, Jon reflects on the decision to change direction, the nerves that came with returning to the classroom as a mature student, and the journey that followed.
His story is a powerful reminder that your career path doesn’t have to be mapped out from the start – and that it’s never too late to take a different route.
Twenty-five years ago, I was working as a joiner, which I had been doing since I left school. At that point, I wouldn’t have imagined that my career would eventually take me into nursing.
It was while I was receiving treatment for a serious knee injury that I started to think about changing direction. I realised I wanted to work in a caring profession, and that was when I decided to pursue a career in nursing.
At the age of 35, I returned to education through an Access to Nursing course with the Scottish Wider Access Programme. At the time, I knew very little about the SCQF, and going back into a classroom after 15 years in the workplace was daunting.
I remember worrying that I would be the oldest person in the class. However, once I started, I quickly realised that everyone was there for the same reason, and there really wasn’t anything to be nervous about.
A different route
My route into nursing was quite different from the traditional university route.
The Access course was an important stepping stone. It was at SCQF level 6, the same level as a Higher, and I achieved several qualifications that gave me the academic foundation and, most importantly, the confidence to take the next step.
From there, I gained entry to study Nursing at the University of the West of Scotland and graduated with my Nursing degree at SCQF level 9.
I would not be able to work in these specialist areas without the further study, training and qualifications. This includes completing NHS Education for Scotland’s Core Competencies for Anaesthetic Practitioners, as well as further competencies and qualifications in obstetric practice.
The confidence I developed by progressing through the SCQF levels, from level 6 to level 9, gave me the foundation and confidence to continue learning, develop my skills and progress both academically and professionally.
Going back into a classroom after 15 years in the workplace was daunting. At 35, I worried that I was too old and that I was starting from behind. Now, having turned 50 this year, I realise I wasn’t behind at all, I was simply taking a different route.
Jon’s journey
I gained entry to study Nursing at the University of the West of Scotland and graduated with my Nursing degree at SCQF Level 9.
Once qualified, I worked in orthopaedic theatres at Glasgow Royal Infirmary for six happy years. I was looking for a new challenge, so I left to work at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, a major trauma centre.
I now work predominantly in the emergency theatres as both an Anaesthetic Practitioner and a Scrub Practitioner, caring for patients at some of the most difficult and critical moments of their lives.
I have also developed further experience in obstetric anaesthetic practice through my work in the Maternity Unit.
‘It is never too late to make a change’
My advice to anyone considering an Access course, particularly as a mature student, is not to let your age or previous education hold you back.
You don’t have to follow the traditional route into university, and you don’t need to have your whole career planned before you start.
There is no set age or right time to return to education, change your career or follow your passion.
Sometimes, the hardest part is simply having the confidence to take that first step.
My journey has shown me that it really is never too late to make a change, continue learning and achieve something you may once have thought was out of reach.
It’s also particularly special to see my daughter beginning her own university journey at the University of Dundee, where she will be studying Law. I’m incredibly proud of her.
Have you been inspired by Jon’s learning journey? See how far learning can take you.