Alumni Richard Baxendale returned to Ashton Sixth Form College this week to visit current Health and Social Care students. 

Richard studied a vocational level 3 course in Health and Social Care, completing his course at Ashton in 2016. He began his early education at West Hill School.

As part of his course Richard carried out various work placements to develop his skills and practical understanding to prepare him for a career within the health sector. Richard spent time in a range of settings including schools, nurseries, care homes or health centres. His placements not only allowed him to develop his skills but they also helped him to stand out on his university application. 

After completing his course at Ashton Sixth Form College, Richard went on to study a degree in Paramedic Science at Oxford Brookes University. 

He is currently working as a Student Paramedic with the South Central Ambulance Service and is in the final year of his studies. 

Richard visited the groups of Health and Social Care students who are in the same position he was just a few years ago. He spoke of his experience on the course and how he shaped his career path. 

While he was a student Richard got involved at every opportunity, completing First Aid and Sign Language training. He truly made the most of his time at Ashton and constantly worked to better himself and develop his abilities both academically and beyond the classroom. 

Students who are starting to think about their options after college were able to ask Richard questions about university and why he chose to begin his career as a Paramedic. The following day, Richard based himself in the Careers department to allow students from across the college to meet him and ask any questions they may have had about a career in Health or university life in general.

The Education and Health department thoroughly enjoy welcoming back their previous students to inspire their current students to think about the wide range of pathways available to them on completing a vocational course in Health. 

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Find out more about studying a health related course at Ashton here.