A Staffordshire University graduate has achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse after completing a degree apprenticeship
Annette Walklate has graduated with a first class degree
Without the apprenticeship I certainly wouldn't have been able to afford to go and follow my dreams to be a registered nurse.
Annette Walklate’s journey into the healthcare profession didn’t start until she was 50. After working in secretarial roles, with the police and then as a community carer, Annette had the opportunity to do an apprenticeship while working at University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) Trust.
“It’s a good way of earning while you learn.” commented the 59-year-old from Lightwood.
“Without the apprenticeship I certainly wouldn't have been able to afford to go and follow my dreams to be a registered nurse.”
Annette completed the Assistant Practitioner (Health) Higher Apprenticeship in 2019 before going onto the Registered Nurse (Accelerated Degree) Apprenticeship
This summer, Annette graduated with a first class degree in BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Adult) and shared her story in front of hundreds of guests at her graduation ceremony.
“I’m the first of six children to actually get a degree. I’m immensely proud of myself and everybody else who’s done the course.
“This would not have been possible without the support from Staffordshire University, and words cannot express how grateful I am to all the lecturers, the apprenticeship team and technical staff.”
Having gained her registered nurse qualification, Annette now works at UHNM in the Specialist Surgical Care Unit and is keen for others to benefit from apprenticeships – no matter what age.
“Apprenticeships are for everybody. I certainly wouldn't be in my position now without an apprenticeship.”
She added: “There's always something out there, so look for the options. Speak to your local university, speak to your employers just to see if there's something that you want to do and if they'll support you to do it.”
Discover more about apprenticeships at Staffordshire University. Or find out if you are eligible for an offer through Clearing by using our Offer Generator and have a ‘live chat’ with current students at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing/ or call our Clearing hotline on 0800 590 830.