From a teenager on a Youth Training Scheme to a Hull University Level 6 Registered Nurse graduate with honours – Alyson Robinson is reaching her career dreams in her 50s.
The 51-year-old is proof that with the support of employers you can progress as an adult learner.
Alyson was telling her story as North East Lincolnshire Council joins forces with its partners to launch a Skills For Life Roadshow – taking place in Grimsby and Cleethorpes next week.
Skills For Life roadshow details:
| Monday Jan 9th | 9-12.30 | Central Family Hub | Edward Street, DN32 9HL |
| Tuesday Jan 10th | 9-12.30 | Queensway Family Hub | Binbrook Way, Grimsby |
| Wednesday Jan 11th | 9-12.30 | Reynolds Family Hub | Machray Place, Cleethorpes |
| Thursday Jan 12th | 9-12.30 | Nunsthorpe Family Hub | Sutcliffe Avenue, Grimsby |
Alyson, from North East Lincolnshire was 17 when she started work at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital. On a YTS, (Youth Training Scheme), she was undertaking clerical and receptionist duties. A stint as receptionist and reception manager at Scartho Medical Centre was then followed by a career change – training as a phlebotomist, and then a Health Care Assistant whilst studying for her Level 2 and Level 3 in Health & Social Care.
A move to Care Plus Group saw her work with community nurses, and then as an Assistant Practitioner completing her Level 5 Foundation Degree. Supported by Care Plus Group she then completed her degree with honours.
“I have wanted to complete my nursing degree for several years after working in the care sector for the NHS since leaving school, a very long time ago! The time never seemed right with life events sometimes preventing me from progressing with my career. However, after losing both my parents to terminal illness within a short period of time, this gave me the motivation to continue as I know they would have been so proud,” reflects Alyson.
“The best thing about being a nurse for me is that I can be an advocate for my patients. I have developed skills to address challenges that affect patients’ quality of life, and by working with others, I am able to take action in finding solutions. I feel lucky to work with an incredibly supportive team and have a manager who will listen and act upon my concerns.
“I would recommend the apprenticeship route to others wanting to advance in their career. It does not matter what age you are. Higher education is open to everyone – I am proof of that!”
About Care Plus Group, (CPG): The large social enterprise provides Health and Social Care across North East Lincolnshire, including Intermediate Care at Home, Rapid Response, Community Nursing, Specialist Nurses, Supported Living and Employability Services.
Opportunities for people: Based at the Val Waterhouse Centre, Kent Street, Grimsby, CPG supports people across Northern Lincolnshire from all backgrounds, aged 14 years up to retirement, to develop their employability skills and support them into work. Its Employability Services team understands the difficulties people face in finding suitable work due to lack of experience, skills, opportunities, or other barriers such as a disability. Further information can be found by clicking on this link: https://www.careplusgroup.org/services/employability-services/
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