Caroline, who completed the course over two years as a part-time student, said: “Dreams can come true if you do the right course and have the right attitude and dedication to see it through.”
She continued: “The Access Diploma has been life changing for me and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Courses like this can be a platform for success. They create opportunities to help you go further. I would encourage anyone who wants to progress to university or climb the career ladder to check out the HE (Higher Education) options in their area. It was my pathway to university, and, in the longer term, I know that this will improve my employability.”
After her GCSEs, Caroline did a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science with a view to working in a laboratory. However, the experience of having her own children changed her mind.
“I was so impressed with the important supportive role of midwives and felt this was something I could do if I put my mind to it.”
She admitted that her desire to provide a better life for her children really drove her on.
“I’m a single parent in my thirties with two young children and I just want to do my best for them. They were my motivation to do well as I knew my options would be limited if I didn’t go back to the books. I realise that I’m really fortunate to have a supportive family who also want me to do well but if I can do it, anyone can.”
Acknowledging the guidance and support of her lecturers at Northern Regional College, Caroline said: “They are wonderfully talented and helped me on my way towards achieving my dream of becoming a midwife.
“Thanks to them, I’m well prepared. I feel a lot more confident in my ability and am looking forward to going to university and pursuing a fulfilling career as a midwife.”
Claire, who is also a young mother, decided to do the Access course after being made redundant in March 2020.
“I was employed as a cabin crew team member by flybe and the company went into administration at the start of the first lockdown. I had always wanted to be a midwife but when I didn’t get the A-level grades to get to university, I applied for a job with the airline.
“I loved working with flybe, but the pandemic forced me to look at other options and I went back to my original plan which was to be a midwife. I realised I would have to get additional qualifications to get into university but, because I had been made redundant, I was able to do the course full-time in one year.”
She added: “In a strange way, although the pandemic forced my hand, it has worked out really well for me.”
Claire added that, with the benefit of hindsight, she realises now that she wouldn’t have been ready for university after her A-levels.
“The Access course is an invaluable preparation for going to university – there is no way I would have been ready before. I know it will still be a big challenge but I’m more confident and ready for the independent learning that is expected at university.”
In addition to the Access to University Diploma which provides mature students like Caroline and Claire with an alternative route to progress to full-time and part-time higher education, Northern Regional Colleges offers a choice of other full time and part time HE courses including: Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates/Diplomas and Degree, as well as a wide range of Further Education (FE) courses.
The good news is that it’s not too late to apply. Whether you want to climb the career ladder, change your career direction, progress to university, or just learn something new for fun, there is something for everyone at Northern Regional College.