Aiden's story
Sometimes career journeys don’t begin with a long-term plan. They start when someone else sees your potential before you see it yourself. For Aiden Robertson, that person was his manager.
From finding his feet, to four years on the frontline
Aiden joined Community Integrated Care in 2021 as an Advanced Support Worker in the north of Scotland, initially on a part-time basis while studying business management at university. Social care wasn't where he pictured his future - he had his sights set on a career in marketing.
When the opportunity to pursue marketing came around, Aiden gave it a go, but it didn't feel like the right fit. Rather than seeing it as a setback, he returned to Community Integrated Care as a full-time Support Worker and discovered something unexpected: social care wasn't just a job to fall back on. It was a career worth choosing.
“Working in social care taught me to be more responsible. I definitely gained skills that helped me understand people, mature and see the value of a career in social care.”
Spotting his calling
Colleagues recognised Aiden’s commitment to the people he supported and his natural ability to share knowledge. When a Learning and Development Specialist role came up, his manager encouraged him to apply.
He hesitated at first but decided this was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.
“I wasn’t sure at first, but my manager recognised it was something I’d be really good at. I’m outgoing and enjoy talking to people, so standing in front of a room didn’t scare me.”
A steep but rewarding learning curve
Moving from frontline support to a Learning and Development specialist role took adjustment and a lot of learning. Aiden embraced the challenge.
“You need to push yourself and grab the bull by the horns to take the leap outside of your comfort zone. It took a lot of learning at first, but I’ve really settled into my new role.”
He spent time upskilling, learning new systems and technology, and leaning on his incredible team. Today he delivers training to his colleagues in Scotland, regularly facilitating courses and enjoying the variety and autonomy the role offers – without losing that connection to care and support.
Feeling the fear and doing it anyway
Aiden didn't plan a career in social care. He tried a different path, came back knowing exactly where he belonged, and never looked back. Having made the leap himself, Aiden encourages colleagues who may be unsure about taking their next step.
“You don’t know until you try. It can be daunting leaving the relationships you’ve built, but we grow when we step outside our comfort zone.”
For anyone who feels uncertain about their direction, Aiden's experience is a reminder that social care can offer far more than people initially expect. It isn't a single destination, but a sector full of opportunities to grow in directions you might never have anticipated.
Inspired by Aiden’s story? Discover our current opportunities and see how a career at Community Integrated Care could shape your future.