AN ASPIRING engineer has landed her dream job thanks to a little help with childcare costs. 

Dunfermline mum Sarah Stevenson has transformed her life, becoming a trainee project manger for Amey at the Forth Road Bridge, after completing a nine-week placement with the company. 

All that was only possible thanks to a scholarship from Fife College that helped paid for childcare costs for her four year-old daughter, Amelia.

Sarah said: “I wouldn’t be where I am now this early in my career without the award from the Adam Smith Foundation. 

"I would like to thank the college and the Foundation for believing in me and I would advise others not to give up or let circumstances prevent them from achieving their dreams.”

"It was fantastic to be offered the nine-week placement with Amey, however, I felt that everything was against me at the time as I had no funds to pay for full-time childcare which cost £1,600. 

"The careers and guidance staff at the college were great and told me about the Adam Smith Foundation which awards scholarships and occasional one-off funding awards for students. 

"I applied and was delighted to receive the funding which enabled me to attend the placement at the end of which I was offered a four-year Advanced Apprenticeship with Amey.”

Sarah’s passion for engineering has resulted in her being given her very own project scheme for Amey. 

She is also looking forward to working on the new Queensferry Crossing when it opens later this year. 

Longer term, Sarah hopes to become a project manager with Amey, complete her degree and work towards chartered engineering status.

She continued: "Working for Amey is fantastic – not only am I now employed with great prospects ahead and enjoying what I do, I am also able to continue my studies part-time studying for a degree in Civil Engineering at Napier University. 

"I also recently moved into a lovely new home in Dunfermline and passed my driving test, all of which means I can offer a better life for myself, my partner and Amelia."

Gaynor Jarrett, trust fundraiser said: “Sarah is a great example of how a little extra help can go a long way and the Foundation is delighted to hear that this has resulted in a great career for Sarah."