What can 25 years of learning look like? For Victoria Finn, it has meant embracing new opportunities and continuing to learn at every stage of her career.

As we celebrate 25 years of the SCQF during SCQF Week 2026, Victoria reflects on the experiences that have shaped her learning journey and career in the past quarter-century.

---

Life is just one big learning journey! Looking back over 25 years of lifelong learning, that is the lesson that stands out most. 

From my school days through to my current role as Director of Learning and Development at Advice Direct Scotland, every stage of my career has been shaped by a commitment to developing new skills, gaining qualifications and embracing new opportunities. 

Twenty-five years ago, I was preparing to start high school. In the years that followed, I went on to complete sixth year, achieving my Highers and Advanced Highers before taking a different path from many of my peers. Rather than going straight to college or university, I started a Modern Apprenticeship with one of the UK’s leading energy companies and completed an SVQ in Customer Service. 

This was my first experience of ‘earning and learning’ – gaining practical workplace experience while achieving recognised qualifications and demonstrating that success can be achieved through many different routes. 

Learning opened doors

My learning journey continued at college, where I achieved both a HNC in Administration and a HND in Business. These qualifications opened the door to a career in hospitality, culminating in my role as Spa Operations Manager at a five-star hotel in Glasgow.  

Alongside my professional responsibilities, I remained committed to continuous development, achieving SVQs in Hospitality, Hospitality Supervision, Management and Assessing, further strengthening my skills and supporting my career progression. 

A few years later, I took on the challenge of studying at university while working full-time. That commitment paid off when I graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in International Business and Human Resource Management. 

After obtaining my degree, I joined Advice Direct Scotland, where I am now Director of Learning and Development. Since joining in June 2021, I have continued to invest in my professional development, achieving several SCQF credit-rated qualifications. 

A qualification for every year

I am incredibly proud that I have continued to learn and gain qualifications throughout my career. In fact, I have achieved at least one formal qualification every year since leaving school – with one very understandable exception when I gave birth to my beautiful son, which was a life-changing learning experience unlike any qualification could ever provide. 

Throughout my career, qualifications have never been about collecting certificates. For me, learning builds confidence, creates opportunities and helps people recognise the value of their skills and experience. The SCQF’s focus on progression and lifelong learning mirrors my own experience of how education can transform careers and lives. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been creating opportunities for others through workforce development. At Advice Direct Scotland, I helped establish the organisation as an accredited Qualifications Scotland centre, enabling the delivery of SCQF credit-rated qualifications across the advice sector. 

Helping others achieve

I have also had the privilege of authoring Scotland’s first Qualifications Scotland accredited awards in Money and Debt Advice, and Energy Advice, Support and Sustainability, both at SCQF level 7. 

These pioneering programmes have enabled hundreds of advisers across Scotland to achieve nationally recognised qualifications and progress their professional development. 

What makes me most proud, however, is their wider impact. The advisers who complete these programmes go on to help thousands of people facing financial hardship, debt, energy challenges and other complex circumstances in communities across Scotland.  

Seeing learning translated into better outcomes for individuals and families reinforces my belief in the power of workforce development to strengthen services, build resilience and create lasting positive change. 

The importance of each step

When I reflect on my journey from school and apprenticeships to college, university and professional qualifications, I can see how each step created new opportunities and shaped the person and professional I am today. 

I am living proof that learning is never confined to a classroom or a particular stage of life. It is a lifelong journey – one that continues to open doors, create opportunities and transform lives. 

Have you been inspired by Victoria’s learning journey? Visit our support page for adults returning to education.