Career Stories

Andrew McCrystal, Police Officer

The latest guest on the Career Stories podcast is Andrew McCrystal, our host Joe's twin brother! Andrew is a police constable in the Retail Crime Taskforce division of Police Scotland and based in Glasgow. In this episode, he talks about his working life before becoming a police officer and how he made the decision to apply. Andrew then talks about the journey he's had over the past 10 years with Police Scotland and all the things that fulfil him in his role. He also gives essential advice to anyone thinking of applying to become a police officer and the skills, characteristics and mindset required to succeed. Make sure to subscribe to catch this and all future episodes of Career Stories. And please come over and follow us on the socials too. 👇 https://instagram.com/mywowscotland [https://instagram.com/mywowscotland] https://tiktok.com/@mywowscotland [https://tiktok.com/@mywowscotland] https://linktr.ee/myworldofwork [https://linktr.ee/myworldofwork]

Sonja Jillich, Software Engineer

On the latest episode of Career Stories, Jamie and Carrie are joined by Sonja, a Senior Associate Software Engineer at JP Morgan, based in Glasgow. Sonja is a former Graduate Apprentice and has progressed through the ranks at the company. She talks about how she got interested in software engineering, considered apprenticeships in comparison to university and then the application process. Sonja is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in apprenticeship. As a member of the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board’s Apprentice Engagement Group and Co-Chair of the Employer Equalities Group, she used her own experience to promote STEM apprenticeships to young women from minority communities. Remember to like and subscribe to catch all future episodes. Discover more Career Stories on My World of Work 🔗 https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/career-stories/1 [https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/career-stories/1]

Teach with Mrs F, Primary School Teacher and Social Media Influencer

On the latest episode of Career Stories, Jamie and Carrie are joined by Laura Fulton aka 'Teach with Mrs F'. The Renfrewshire-based teacher has built a following on Instagram and TikTok by showcasing what life looks like for a primary school teacher. Her content includes a mix of behind-the-scenes looks at lesson preparation, getting ready for school term and the reality of being a teacher outwith school hours. The ‘Teach with Mrs F’ account also gives followers insight on the skills required to be a teacher, including the mental resilience needed in the role. Jamie and Carrie also ask Laura about the ‘why’ of becoming a teacher as well as the satisfaction and challenges she gets from the role. They also dig into the balancing act of being a full-time teacher and building (and maintaining) a social media community, which requires daily input – weekends included. Remember to like and subscribe to catch all future episodes. Discover more Career Stories on My World of Work 🔗 https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/career-stories/1 [https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/career-stories/1] Follow Laura on her socials at https://instagram.com/teachwithmrsf_ [https://instagram.com/teachwithmrsf_] and https://tiktok.com/@teachwithmrsf [https://tiktok.com/@teachwithmrsf]

Corporal Haxton and Craftsman Sinclair, British Army

On the latest episode of Career Stories, Joe and Carrie are joined by two soldiers from the British Army. Corporal John Haxton of the Royal Engineers and Craftsman Lee Sinclair of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers joined our hosts to chat about their routes into the army, their training and the skills they have learned along the way. Listen to learn more about the different paths each soldier took before joining the Army and get insights on what it takes to be successful in the forces. Cpl. Haxton and Cfn. Sinclair also tell us about their hobbies, how they spend their downtime and the benefits the Army provides for people who love to learn. Remember to like and subscribe to catch all future episodes. Discover more Career Stories on My World of Work 🔗 https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/career-stories/1 [https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/career-stories/1] Find out more about British Army careers at 🔗 https://www.army.mod.uk/ [https://www.army.mod.uk/]

Chris Keel, Joiner and Social Media Creator

Joiner to influencer: Chris from Keel’s Joinery shares his career journey, skills growth and social media rise. In this episode, hosts Joe McCrystal and Carrie Stewart chat with Chris from Keel’s Joinery & Construction about his path into joinery, how early jobs (from B&Q to working as a home help) shaped his work ethic, and why he believes apprenticeships give young people a great start in their career. Chris also shares how he built an engaged audience on Instagram and TikTok by showing real life on the tools, the realities of running a business, and the balance between craft and content. What you’ll learn: • The reality of getting into a career in joinery and construction • Why apprenticeships are a practical route for young people to earn, learn and build confidence • The behind‑the‑scenes hard work that goes into becoming a trades creator on Instagram and TikTok • Tips on work–life balance, building skills, and staying grounded If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider following for more Career Stories, and share it with someone who’s exploring apprenticeships or a trade career.