Achieving success against extraordinary odds
When Lora (Larysa) and Jane (Yevheniia) arrived in Scotland from Ukraine, they were not only seeking safety from the war but also the opportunity to rebuild their lives, careers and futures.
While their journeys were different, both women shared a passion for working with children and a determination to continue making a difference in young lives despite the challenges they faced.
Today, both can celebrate achieving their SVQ 3 Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7, completing their qualifications in under eleven months whilst working at Play Away Nursery.
Achieving any qualification at this level requires commitment and dedication. Achieving it while adapting to life in a new country, learning a new language, balancing family responsibilities and overcoming personal tragedy makes their success truly remarkable.
Starting again in Scotland
Although born Larysa and Yevheniia, both women are known as Lora and Jane in Scotland, where they have built successful careers supporting children and families.
Like many New Scots, they faced the challenge of translating those skills and experiences into employment opportunities within a completely different culture and education system.
Despite the obstacles ahead, both embraced the opportunity to continue developing professionally and building new lives in Scotland.
Lora's Journey
Before arriving in Scotland, Lora had already established an impressive career in Ukraine. A qualified Russian Language and Literature Teacher, she also spent nine years working as a nursery practitioner within a local kindergarten. Supporting children's development and wellbeing had long been a central part of her professional life.
However, arriving in Scotland presented challenges she had never previously encountered.
Unable to speak English fluently when she first arrived, Lora often relied heavily on her daughter to help her communicate and navigate everyday situations. What many take for granted, from shopping to completing paperwork, suddenly became more difficult.
The language barrier often left her feeling isolated and lonely, particularly after leaving behind family, friends and a career she loved.
Determined to overcome these barriers, Lora threw herself into learning. She successfully achieved ESOL Levels 4 and 5, volunteered through her local church providing childcare support and worked alongside the local authority supporting wheelchair users in the workplace.
She also gained experience as a support assistant in a nursery in Kirkintilloch before securing a position with Play Away Nursery in 2025.
Although she brought extensive experience from Ukraine, undertaking a qualification at SCQF Level 7 in a second language initially felt daunting. The written elements of the programme were a particular concern.
Yet her commitment, professionalism and determination quickly became evident to everyone around her.
Jane's Journey
Jane's story is equally inspiring.
She arrived in Scotland with her Egyptian husband and their young baby son after making the difficult decision to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. Starting a new life in a foreign country whilst raising a young child brought unique challenges. As her husband found work, Jane often spent long periods alone with their son, trying to navigate an unfamiliar country, understand support systems and establish a new sense of belonging.
It was a lonely time.
Yet even during these challenging circumstances, Jane's passion for learning never wavered. Like Lora, Jane brought an impressive educational background with her. She held a Master's Diploma in Language and Literature and had experience working with children through summer camps in Ukraine and supervisory roles supporting young children in Egypt.
Before beginning her apprenticeship, Jane had independently completed numerous online childcare courses simply because she wanted to learn as much as possible. Her enthusiasm for child development, learning and professional growth was clear from the outset.
She joined Play Away Nursery and quickly became a valued member of the team. Before starting her apprenticeship, she had already been working within the nursery for almost a year.
Her son also became part of the nursery community. Reflecting the rich cultural and linguistic environment within their family, he was able to speak three languages by the age of four.
Learning beyond language
One challenge both women shared was adapting to everyday communication in Scotland. As the team often joked:
"Learning English is one thing, but taking in Glaswegian is another challenge."
Whilst said with humour, there was truth behind the comment.
Both candidates were required to undertake professional discussions, observations, reflective accounts and evidence gathering whilst working in their second language. They had to understand professional terminology, communicate confidently in the workplace and demonstrate the knowledge expected at SCQF Level 7.
What quickly became evident was that despite language barriers, both women possessed a wealth of professional knowledge, experience and natural ability.
Their challenge was never capability, it was confidence.
Recognising potential
Play Away Nursery Manager, Angela Dickov, recognised the potential in both candidates and was keen to support their development.
Working alongside Andrew McCall, Contracts Manager at L&G Learning, discussions began around how both learners could be supported through a Modern Apprenticeship pathway.
Whilst funding barriers initially presented challenges, support was secured through the New Scots Incentive, introduced by the Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland to help individuals rebuilding their lives in Scotland access meaningful training and employment opportunities.
The additional support provided through the incentive enabled L&G Learning to enhance the learning experience for both candidates through:
Increased face-to-face support visits
Additional personalised learning support
Learning resources translated into Ukrainian
Podcasts and engaging digital content available in both languages
Laptops to support learning and evidence gathering
This tailored approach helped ensure both candidates had the resources and support needed to thrive.
Special thanks also go to Marguerite and the Equalities Team at Skills Development Scotland for their support and guidance throughout the application process.
Recognition should also be given to Alana Nelson, Recruitment and Engagement Officer at L&G Learning, who managed the funding application process, worked closely with both learners throughout their journey and successfully secured the funding that made this additional support possible. Through her dedication and commitment, Lora and Jane were able to benefit from enhanced learning opportunities, tailored resources and additional support to help them achieve their goals.
The challenges no one could prepare for
During the course of their apprenticeships, both learners faced one of life's most difficult experiences. Tragically, both Lora and Jane lost their mothers whilst undertaking their qualifications.
Their mothers remained in Ukraine.
The loss of a parent is devastating under any circumstances. For Lora and Jane, the reality was even more complex. Distance, travel restrictions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine made it incredibly difficult to return home. The inability to immediately be with family during such a significant period added another layer of heartache to an already overwhelming situation.
For many people, such events would understandably lead to postponing study or stepping away from professional development. Instead, both women showed extraordinary strength. They continued supporting children and families in their workplace. They continued learning. They continued building a future for themselves and their families.
While carrying the weight of grief, they remained committed to completing their qualifications and achieving their goals. This resilience makes their achievement even more exceptional.
The importance of support
Behind every successful apprenticeship is a network of support.
For Lora and Jane, that support came from colleagues, managers, family members and, importantly, their assessor, Linzi.
Throughout their apprenticeship journey, Linzi provided guidance, encouragement and reassurance. She adapted her support to meet each learner's individual needs and worked hard to ensure both candidates felt confident in their ability to succeed.
Recently celebrating six years with L&G Learning, Linzi has supported over 100 learners to achieve their qualifications. The experiences of Lora and Jane demonstrate the difference that dedicated, learner centred support can make. Both learners were eager to recognise the impact she had on their journey.
Lora's message to Linzi
"I would like to say a big thank you for all your support, patience and kindness. You have made such a positive difference to my learning journey and my confidence at work.
When I started my qualification, studying in a different language felt quite scary, and sometimes I doubted myself. You helped me believe in myself and encouraged me to keep going and complete my qualification. Your support meant so much to me, especially at times when I really needed it emotionally.
You have helped me become more confident in my role, in my interactions with children, and in making decisions at work. Your kindness, encouragement and understanding have made a real difference to me, both professionally and personally.
I am truly grateful to have had you as my assessor. You should be very proud of the positive impact you have on the people you support. Wishing you many more happy and successful years!”
Jane's message to Linzi
"Linzi was very approachable, helpful and kind. Linzi is a wonderful person. I enjoyed my apprenticeship with Linzi very much. A lot of thanks 😊"
Employer reflections
Reflecting on Lora's achievement, Angela Dickov, Manager at Play Away Nursery, said:
"We could not be prouder of Lora and her achievements. She is beaming with pride herself and we are confident that she will grow in confidence in her daily practice by achieving this qualification. We will support Lora to grow in confidence and allow her time to consolidate what she has learned in her training. She has commented on how much she enjoyed the training and will recommend it to others."
Speaking about Jane's achievement, Angela added:
"Jane has surpassed any expectations we had of her to complete her qualification in the timeframes she has achieved. We are so proud of her achievements. We will continue to support Jane in her career and facilitate any further training she may wish."
An Achievement Beyond the Qualification
Completing an SVQ Level 3 in under eleven months would be an impressive achievement for any learner. For Lora and Jane, it represents so much more than a qualification.
It represents rebuilding lives after displacement.
It represents overcoming language barriers and self-doubt.
It represents perseverance through personal loss.
It represents the value of giving talented individuals opportunities to succeed.
Most importantly, it represents two exceptional practitioners whose determination, professionalism and passion for supporting children have enabled them to thrive despite extraordinary challenges.
Everyone at L&G Learning is incredibly proud of Lora and Jane and congratulates them on an achievement that extends far beyond their qualification.
Congratulations, Lora and Jane. Your journey is an inspiration to us all.
Inspired by their story? Get in touch to see how we can support you on your learning journey.
