Students head for caring careers

T wenty-one mature students are a step nearer to fulfilling their dreams of a career in the caring professions.

Certificates have been presented to the latest batch of students to successfully complete an Access course, run by Norfolk County Council's Adult Education Service.

And this autumn many are taking up places on courses leading to qualifications in sectors such as nursing, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

Successful students on the Access to the Caring Professions course included Michaela Moloney, Karen Anthony, Louise Hulks, Cheri Dickerson, Marion Read, Kathryn Walters, Caroline Buck, Tracey Bales, Emily Kingsmill-Brown, Louise Bradley, Tom Welbank, Carolyn Anderson, Nicola Sutton, Christine Baker, Helen Murphy, Sam Woods, Susan West, Sally McDonald, Margaret Rice, Sam Kemp and Mandy Coventry.

"For many it's a real life changing experience - a chance to do something they've always wanted to do," said Jerry White, Deputy Head of Norfolk County Council's Adult Education Service.

"Access courses particularly appeal to people retraining and returning to work. Many come with nothing except the desire to learn - they may have left school with few qualifications and now want to a career.

"The courses offer flexible learning and enable students to gain a recognised qualification, which moves them a step closer to fulfilling their career dreams."

John Gretton, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services and Adult Education, said: “My warmest congratulations to our latest group of access course graduates. Professional qualifications are essential to maximise employment options in our competitive world, and I would urge anyone seeking a change of direction to contact the Adult Education service to discuss a suitable course for this year."

Access courses start throughout the year and, in addition to the caring professions, also cover the legal profession, social sciences, art and design.

Further information is available by calling 01603 674304.