August 2024
Sarah's Story
By Sarah Townsend
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Sarah Townsend
Never too late to learn
Mature student Sarah worked as a medical assistant for several years before taking the step to retrain. With an affinity for nursing from a young age, the Nursing Associate apprenticeship at University College Birmingham presented her the perfect opportunity to realise her ambition.
"I'd always worked in a medical environment, and I wanted to study nursing but didn't think I was smart enough, but the University has been great. They said to me, ‘We can do this!’”
The apprenticeship model attracted Sarah due to its practical nature and the chance to earn while working.
“It was more hands-on, so I learned on the job, which made life a lot easier. I got paid so I didn't have to worry about getting into debt.”
Despite the demanding nature of the course, Sarah feels she made the right decision.
“There are times when it's been mentally exhausting, but it's been it's been really, really exciting at the same time.
“I was in my mid-50s when I started the apprenticeship and was concerned about age gaps, but the University have really embraced it. I used to think ‘age is just a number’, was just a cliché, but it’s actually true!”