A Solihull College & University Centre student is looking forward to a future in the NHS after receiving a distinction in her Healthcare Science apprenticeship.
Maria Gannon, 21 from Tipton, found herself struggling as a student when her little brother was diagnosed with leukaemia. She failed her A-levels and found herself directionless and unsure of what to do next. She decided to look at the option of an apprenticeship after recommendations from friends.
Maria’s Level 2 Healthcare Science Apprenticeship involved attending college for half a day every other week alongside her job. She studied in the education learning centre at Sandwell Hospital and had access to the library and one-on-one chats with her tutor Claire.
Maria comments “A few times I struggled, but my tutor supported me and I was given lots of options.”
After completing her 15-month apprenticeship in June she was delighted to hear shortly after that she had been awarded a distinction grade. “I was so relieved I couldn’t stop crying for a week. My hard work had paid off.”
“Some time ago I felt like I had nothing but doing this was a really great option. If you’re right for the job and show passion it really works for you. The staff have been really supportive and this was the perfect stepping stone.”
Maria’s current role is at Wolverhampton New Cross Hospital working with women in the cervical smear test department. She is hoping to start on a degree apprenticeship next September which her work has agreed to fund. At the end of the degree apprenticeship Maria will be a qualified Biomedical Scientist.
