A Staffordshire University graduate from Stoke-on-Trent has achieved her dream of being a registered nurse after completing a degree apprenticeship.

Annette Walklate's journey into the healthcare profession didn't start until she was 50.

After working in secretarial roles, with the police and then as a community carer, Annette had the opportunity to do an apprenticeship while working at University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) Trust.

"It's a good way of earning while you learn." commented the 59-year-old from Lightwood.

"Without the apprenticeship I certainly wouldn't have been able to afford to go and follow my dreams to be a registered nurse."

Having gained her registered nurse qualification at Staffordshire University, Annette now works in a Specialist Surgical Care Unit (Wiki Commons).

This summer, Annette graduated with a first class degree in BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Adult) and shared her story in front of hundreds of guests at her graduation ceremony.

She said: "I'm the first of six children to actually get a degree. I'm immensely proud of myself and everybody else who's done the course.

"This would not have been possible without the support from Staffordshire University, and words cannot express how grateful I am to all the lecturers, the apprenticeship team and technical staff."

Having gained her registered nurse qualification, Annette now works at UHNM in the Specialist Surgical Care Unit and is keen for others to benefit from apprenticeships – no matter what age.

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