Wigan woman shows it's never too late to change careers

A Wigan grandmother is changing her life and career to follow her passion to become a trauma nurse.
Amanda GallagherAmanda Gallagher
Amanda Gallagher

Amanda Gallagher, 44, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, has worked most of her life since leaving school, alongside raising two children and running her own business.

Now the human resource officer is studying part-time at Wigan and Leigh College on the access to higher education diploma in health and has been offered a place to study nursing at Edge Hill University.

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“I’ve always wanted to work in accident and emergency or theatre. I’d love to become a specialised trauma nurse.

“I didn’t even know where to start until I called the college and they told me about the Access to Higher Education Health Diploma,” said Amanda.

The mother of two teenagers is highly organised when it comes to managing her time, around work, studies and her grandchild.

“I’d highly recommend the course, it’s intense but it has flown by. I have had a lot of support and guidance, especially when it came to applying for university.”

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Wigan and Leigh College is launching its Adult College this September and its head Anne Frear is urging those thinking about returning to learning to take the plunge.

“My priority is to make sure we have the right environment for adult learners.

“We have lots of options for those, like Amanda, who want to come back to college to take up an Access to Higher Education course,” said Ms Frear.

“If it’s been a long time since you studied, don’t worry, we will support you all the way.”

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Enrolment events are from 2pm until 7pm on Tuesday June 26, Thursday, August 16 at Parsons Walk Centre and Tuesday, August 28 at Parson’s Walk Centre and Leigh College.

For more information about the range of courses on offer at Adult College call 01942 761111 or email [email protected]

Wigan and Leigh College recently scooped FE College of the Year at the Educate North Awards 2018.