In this blog post, we’ll discuss the inspiring story of Hayley Lindley, who after over a decade as a hairdresser, decided to pursue her dream of becoming a paramedic.
The number of UK paramedics has surged to 40,700, reflecting the increasing demand for emergency medical services. This means Hayley is set to have a stable, rewarding career through her Access to HE course.
Read on to learn how UCEN Manchester's supportive environment, experienced tutors, and industry connections are helping Hayley achieve her goals and embark on a rewarding career in healthcare.
After more than a decade working in a salon, Hayley is working towards becoming a paramedic.
An Access to HE student at UCEN Manchester is edging closer to her dream career after being inspired to return to education by the UK’s NHS heroes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hayley Lindley is currently “loving” her Access to Higher Education in Nursing and Midwifery course, after taking the opportunity to kickstart her dream career during lockdown.
After more than a decade working as a hairdresser, Hayley enrolled on a Level 1 Health and Social Care course with our further education partners, The Manchester College, with adult learners being able to progress from Level 1 to Level 6 within the College and UCEN Manchester.
After excelling on the Level 1 Diploma, as well as with her English & Maths GCSEs, Hayley was fast tracked to the Level 3 course before progressing onto the Access to HE course at UCEN Manchester.
Hayley’s journey from hairdresser to aspiring paramedic shows how Access to HE courses can transform lives and careers. By enrolling in the Nursing and Midwifery course at UCEN Manchester, she is gaining the essential academic skills, practical knowledge and confidence.
These are all skills and assets needed to succeed in higher education and pursue a rewarding career in healthcare. The main benefits of Access to HE courses are that they offer a flexible and supportive pathway for individuals with diverse backgrounds to achieve their dreams.
Alongside her studies, Hayley is gaining vital experience in the field with the North West Ambulance Service, working her way up to be a paramedic.
Here at UCENM, we have strong connections with a wide range of industries in Manchester so there are lots of work experience and placement opportunities.
Speaking about her route to higher education, Hayley said:
“I was a hairdresser for 13 years working in a salon, but I returned to education as an adult to gain more knowledge and progress my career. I felt that I wanted to go out there and help the community and save people’s lives.
“I was nervous at the start, but glad I have got the opportunity to change career paths after all this time.
I have found the course challenging but rewarding, and I’m enjoying learning about how the human body works in biology.
When I hand my assignments in, I know I’m one more step nearer to becoming a qualified paramedic.”
Hayley chose to study at UCEN Manchester after happy memories of her time studying her Hairdressing NVQs at The Manchester College.
“I know it’s a fantastic place to study from past experience,” she continued. “Both UCEN Manchester and The Manchester College has supported me all the way through my courses.
“The tutors are fantastic, and you can ask them anything. I feel I can easily approach them in any time of need. Any questions you need to ask, they are there to help and guide you in the right direction.
I would recommend UCEN Manchester to anyone who is looking to further or start a new career.
No, just like Hayley, you don’t need previous healthcare experience. The course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen healthcare field.
Many Access to HE courses offer work experience placements in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or care homes. These placements allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills.
Upon successful completion of the course, you can progress to university to study a range of nursing and midwifery degrees, including adult nursing, mental health nursing, child nursing, and midwifery.
Core modules typically include human anatomy and physiology, biology, psychology, sociology and research methods.
No, you don’t need A-levels to study an Access to HE course. Access to HE courses are specifically designed for people who don't have traditional qualifications like A-levels or GCSEs. They offer a flexible pathway to higher education, allowing you to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to university.
Here at UCEN Manchester, we offer Access to HE courses that equip you with the necessary academic skills and practical knowledge to progress to university.
Our experienced tutors provide personalised support, while our state-of-the-art facilities create a stimulating learning environment.
We offer strong industry connections to provide students with valuable insights and potential work experience opportunities.
With a range of Access to HE subjects and clear progression routes, UCEN Manchester is the ideal choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.
You can find out more about the range of Access to HE courses available at UCEN Manchester and apply today.