'Nursing apprenticeship means I can train close to home'

Jackie Sweeney is one of 51 nursing associate apprentices starting at Telford College

The first nursing apprentices at Telford College have said being able to study closer to home means they can balance their lives and careers more easily.

Classes for the nursing associate qualification, delivered by Keele University and funded by the NHS, began in early September.

The new cohort of 51 students will spend two years learning practical skills before achieving a foundation degree.

Jackie Sweeney, 57, said she "probably couldn't afford" to go to university and would struggle with the travel - but that the apprenticeship is the "best thing [she] ever did."

The Nursing and Midwifery Council describes the role of a nursing associate as "bridging the gap between health and care assistants and registered nurses."

Ms Sweeney is one of 51 students making up the course's first cohort.

"It's lovely because there's different ages, there's mature students and younger students," she said.

The mother-of-two is currently working at the Princess Royal Hospital in the paediatric department.

"I would love to stay on and be a nursing associate [there]," she added.

Megan Blewitt-Jones said the course was the closest one to her hometown in Powys, Wales

The students train at the college's clinical skills centre, which boasts three "industry-standard" wards.

Many are already health and care assistants in Shropshire hospitals, but aiming to boost their careers with a nursing qualification.

Megan Blewitt-Jones, 26, commutes to Telford from Newtown in Powys, Wales.

"I was really excited to just be able to come to Telford because it's not miles away from home," the mother-of-three said, adding it is "much closer than going to a big institution."

"It's something I knew I could manage with work and my family."

Lecturer Karen Green said it was a "privilege" to teach the apprentices

Telford College has announced a "healthcare education partnership" with Keele University, which is based in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire.

Karen Green, who has been working as a nurse for more than 40 years, is one of the course lecturers, covering Adult Nursing.

She said it had been an "absolute privilege" to teach the group, adding the cohort was "vibrant, keen, and diverse in age and experience."

She added had enjoyed "teaching away from the university campus and bringing university closer to their homes".

Regino Victorino said he "learns a lot" from talking to his patients

Regino Victorino, 47, lives in Shrewsbury, and is hoping the qualification will allow him to continue his passion for caring for people.

He moved to the UK from the Philippines 23 years ago, and despite being a music teacher and professional musician, said the only jobs he could find were in healthcare.

"I was afraid, but I couldn't show it," he said. "I didn't realise that I would love interacting with patients - and of course you learn from them!"

Emma Churm is studying within walking distance of her home

Emma Churm, 47, lives in Telford and said having the course on her doorstep meant she could juggle looking after her four children with building her career.

"My youngest is 16, he's just started college, so it's my time to get back to doing something that I want to do," she said.

"This is just ideal - I'm very grateful."