The nurses, midwives and Healthcare professionals of the future are rising to the challenge as they complete placements in maternity units and hospital wards across Greater Manchester.

Former Bury College students, who all achieved Triple Distinction Stars in their Health and Social Care Cadet Scheme, are further developing the skills, knowledge and experience they gained at Bury College to prepare them for meaningful careers within Healthcare. The previous students believe the training they received at Bury College allowed them to progress onto university and are now working towards their dream careers and making real differences to the lives of others.  

Currently working on the wards at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is hardworking student nurse Ellie Gardner. Upon completion of the Bury College qualification in 2018, Ellie secured a place at the University of Salford studying Children and Young People’s Nursing.

Ellie, who is 20 years old and is a former Unsworth Academy pupil, said, “I am extremely proud to have opted in to support my colleagues during the current pandemic. I felt really prepared for University and for my placements because the training I received at Bury College was brilliant and I felt I had a lot of experience.”

Passionate student nurse Rob Philbin is a second-year student at the University of Salford studying Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) Degree and is working extremely hard to pursue a career as an Emergency Care Nurse in A&E.

Rob, who is 20 years old and lives in Manchester, has undertaken some demanding placements working in Theatres. Rob has worked alongside Anaesthetic Nurses, Scrub Nurses and Recovery Nurses and has learnt all about their different roles from how they assist surgeons to patients’ surgical journeys. 

The former Our Lady’s R.C. High School pupil said, “I knew from leaving high school that I really wanted to do one particular course, which was the Bury College Health and Social Care Cadet Scheme. During the course, I spent three days a week learning theory and two days a week on clinical placements. Being able to get clinical exposure from such a young age opened up my eyes to potential career paths. Studying at Bury College was the best decision I ever made, the staff are so welcoming and they support you to do your very best.”

Abigail Hilton progressed onto Edge Hill University and is now in her second year of the BSc Hons Paramedic Degree. Abigail, who is 20 years old and a former Turton School pupil, is currently employed by the ambulance service and is working as a Paramedic Student UCS   to provide extra help during these unprecedented times.

Abigail said, “I feel really proud to be able to support the ambulance service during this extremely difficult time. The Bury College Health and Social Care Cadet Scheme allowed me

to experience different areas within the healthcare settings. It gave me an insight into different aspects and enabled me to peruse my chosen career.” 

Morgan Dean is in the second year of her Nursing with Registered Nurse (Children and Young People) BSC (HONS) - pre-registration Degree at the University of Central Lancashire. Morgan, who is 20 years old from Rossendale, has completed a range of Hospital placements on a variety of wards including Children’s Wards, Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Children’s Outpatients as well as community placements such as Children’s Social Care, Health Visiting and School Nursing. 

The former Hollingworth Academy pupil said, “The Bury College Health and Social Care Cadet Scheme was the start of my amazing career within Nursing. I have had the honour of experiencing a variety of amazing placements. I am really looking forward to graduating and becoming a registered Nurse.”

Lucy Surplus is a second-year student studying Midwifery at the University of Salford. Lucy, who is a former Unsworth Academy pupil, is completing a placement on the Delivery Suite at Royal Bolton Hospital where she is providing exceptional care and support for women and their families during these unprecedented times.

Lucy, who is 20-years-old said, “The Bury College Health and Social Care Cadet Scheme allowed me to experience different areas of healthcare and I was able to build my confidence and knowledge prior to starting my degree. I would recommend this course to anybody who is hoping to work within the healthcare setting and I absolutely loved my time at Bury College.” 

The Bury College Health and Social Care (Health Sciences) Multi-Professional Cadet Scheme is a specialist two-year course which is delivered in partnership with Northern Care Alliance NHS Group and is designed for those who are aiming for a professional career within the NHS.