Applications for 2025 are open and in high demand

Apply Now
Home » Case Studies » Andy – Access to Science

Andy – Access to Science

Returning to Education after 20 years was challenging, but rewarding for Andy. He is now on his way to creating a career he has always dreamed of.

"The Access course has got me back into the mindset of learning, of trying to understand new and difficult concepts and working through problems. It’s reminded me the importance of discipline and self-motivation."

Share this story

Course Studied: Access to Science

My Story:

Andy already had a degree in English before starting his Access Course, but he was looking to support his family and wanted to find a career in Cornwall.  After years searching for the right job for him that would offer him security, and not finding the right role, he decided to return to education and retrain with the aim of joining the NHS and becoming a Radiographer or Sonographer.

Andy Said: “Going back into education at all was challenging after previous experiences in education, but the College and the staff genuinely want you to do well, and I was surprised at how much support was there for students struggling”

“I needed to prove that I could function at a suitable level in science before I could be accepted on a science based course at university, so I enrolled on the Access course at Truro College”

“I knew I was really going to have a hard time with some of it, as I struggled with it before in school. So it was hard work and quite stressful at times, but it was good to know that I achieved what I needed in the end”

“The Access course has got me back into the mindset of learning, of trying to understand new and difficult concepts and working through problems. It’s reminded me the importance of discipline and self-motivation.”

“My advice would be not to underestimate it, Access may look easy but it can be a serious amount of work. Also, don’t give up – if you keep turning up and do your best, you absolutely can do it.”

Related stories

Oliver stands outside smiling at the camera.

Oliver’s Story – Access to Art & Design

Subjects studied: Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery and Level 2 Bench Joinery at Penwith College…

Read Story

Katie – Access to Creative Arts

Course: Access to Creative Arts My Story: Katie decided to return to education after having…

Read Story

Jess – Access to Creative Arts

Jess grew up in a world filled with creativity, with her family owning a gallery…

Read Story

Steve – Access to Creative Media and Photography

Course: Access to Creative Media and Photography My Story:  After leaving school at 15 and…

Read Story

Sign up to keep up to date with the latest events & announcements

Truro College

Tel: 01872 305000
Email: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Truro College,
College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

Penwith College

Tel: 01736 809000
Email: penwithenquiries@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Penwith College,
St Clare Street, Penzance,
Cornwall, TR18 2SA
Find on Maps

STEM & Health Skills Centre

Tel: 01208 224455
Email: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

STEM & Health Skills Centre,
Ottery Building, Old Callywith Road, Bodmin, PL31 2GU
Find on Maps

University Centre

Tel: 01872 305750
Email: heenquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

University Centre Truro & Penwith,
Fal Building, College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

Future Skills Institute

Tel: 01872 308000
Email: futureskills@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Truro & Penwith College,
College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
Find on Maps

  • Reset
  • Result Type