David McKay left Edinburgh's Forrester High School in 2004 as a 16-year-old and went straight into work with a firm repairing sash windows.
Now 26, he is studying for a masters in civil engineering at Heriot-Watt University after deciding a few years ago that he wanted to develop his skills.
Because he had never studied before at university, he was able to take advantage of the full level of support for undergraduate students with free tuition fees and access to student loans - although he continued to work at weekends.
He said: "After four years of high school I was ready for the world of work and I became a tradesman thinking I would eventually set up business just as my dad had. At the time this seemed to be my only option.
"When I got a job I applied myself to the fullest and developed a respect for what it was to be working and making a living for myself, but the work was repetitive and lacked opportunity and I began to feel trapped.
"I decided going back to study was the best option and, after taking qualifications at college, I eventually got to study civil engineering at university."
Mr McKay said the experience had been life-changing, opening new doors for his future career and expanding his outlook on life at the same time.
He added: "For the rest of my life I will be grateful to have been able to make a fresh start, and I can't wait to start using my new skills in the world of work."
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