Adult student, Jack has successfully secured a place to study Paramedic Practice at Liverpool John Moores University, thanks to successfully completing an Access to HE Health Sciences course at Knowsley Community College.
Jack, 26 originally left school at 16 and enrolled on a design engineering course at College. Realising that this wasn’t for him, he dropped out after the first year. Looking for a fresh start and challenge, Jack enlisted in the Royal Navy.
Jack explains, “Being a part of The Royal Navy allowed me to see the world. I undertook missions in West Africa, including humanitarian relief, helping to build an orphanage and even rescuing British Nationals in Libya. It taught me invaluable, transferable life skills like leadership, teamwork, self-discipline and problem-solving.”
Following seven years of service, Jack tired of being away from his family and friends and took the difficult decision to leave the Navy. It was during his time in the Navy that Jack developed an ambition to become a paramedic; spurred on by learning about first aid and inspired by a member of his family who was also a paramedic.
Jack says, “During my final year in the Navy, I began to do some research on courses available which would allow me to become a paramedic. Access to HE courses seemed to be the best option, as the traditional route to university was out of the question due to my age.”
Jack, from Liverpool, found a one-year Access to Higher Education – Health Professions course offered at Knowsley Community College. This course is ideal for adult students who may wish to progress on to university to follow a career as a health professional. It was through an Advanced Learner Loan, that Jack secured the finances to cover his course fees.
Jack says “I chose KCC because of their success rate for getting students into university. The process for applying for an Advanced Learner Loan was simple and straightforward. I secured my place at College and then applied for my loan online. Once I have completed my degree, the loan is written off so I don’t have to repay it.”
Speaking about his time on the Access to HE course, Jack says “I really enjoyed my time at KCC. There was a good balance of practical lessons with theory and the trips to London and other places relevant to the course were a real added bonus. As the course was delivered part-time over two days in the week, it allowed me to work part-time around my studies.”
“I found that the Access to HE course at KCC was the perfect stepping stone to prepare me for university. I am now a student paramedic with ambitions of one day working for the North West Ambulance Service.”