Bethany described her apprenticeship as interesting, supportive and a great experience. She has gained a wealth of experience in the health care whilst studying toward her qualification.

Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

Sunderland Royal Hospital, Ward B20 (Emergency Medical Admissions).

Healthcare Assistant.

I assist with personal care, undertake clinical observations while working in a multidisciplinary team and report any concerns to senior staff.

Helping people who require your love, care and support the most at their most vulnerable time.

Getting to learn practically as well as the theory behind why we do what we do.

Studying full-time just wasn’t for me, I thoroughly enjoy working full time, gaining an income and working toward a nationally recognised qualification.

Earning while I learn has allowed me to develop skills in this industry and jump-start my career, I have gained the same qualification as those who took the classroom based route, but have over a years’ worth of hands-on experience.

I learn best why I am learning practically rather than reading from a book so this was the perfect opportunity for me.

Gaining a deeper understanding and knowledge about the care and support we provide.

Very friendly, fun and I always felt comfortable.

Yes, 100%. Tt was such a good learning opportunity because learning practically helps you understand how things actually get done rather than thinking and trying to get your head around how they get done.

It has given me the opportunity to do my nursing degree and has also made me feel like I’m a few steps ahead of everyone else with my knowledge and understanding compared to those who only have theory based understanding.

When I completed my Level 2 Healthcare Support apprenticeship my tutor Jonathan was excellent at providing support throughout, always checking up on us and seeing how he could provide support if we needed it.

I then progressed onto my Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support course and Cath was absolutely amazing, always helping us find ways we could improve and keeping in touch to see how we were getting on and if we needed any extra support.

I couldn’t thank them both enough because I wouldn’t have gotten on to do my nursing degree without them!

Student success stories

Maths and English for a Successful Future

Maths and English are everywhere! They are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and to progress to your dream career. A GCSE Maths and English qualification could be the difference between being accepted onto a university course or getting a job promotion.

98% of our students progress to a positive destination

*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).

Why choose Sunderland College?

Our achievement rates are well above the national average.

We are the College of the Year.

(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)

100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study. 

(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)

We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.