The inspiring achievements of Public Services alumni were showcased at a careers conference held by Reaseheath College.
Organised by Patrick Finch, Sport Science Lecturer at the college, the event aimed to provide current students with real-life examples of success stories within the sector and inspire them about their future careers.
Amongst the speakers was Nathan Edwards, an on-call firefighter for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service who completed his Level 3 Public Services programme in 2022. While he also works as an IT engineer, he is due to become a fulltime firefighter by the end of this year.
He said: “Completing my Public Services course gave me a good understanding of the service I wanted to join, and the structures around it. It gave me the knowledge and the confidence to get through my interview and initial training. It’s a great qualification and it really helps people looking to get into the sector.”
Also speaking on the day was Isabel Swarbrick, who has successfully pursued further studies in Paramedic Science at Wolverhampton University, following her graduation from Reaseheath.
She said: “Reaseheath helped me prepare for my future career as a paramedic in so many ways. The support that was offered to me is something I’m very grateful for, my course lecturers were so helpful, and very knowledgeable around public services and the course itself.
“During my time at Reaseheath I developed academically and personally. I left after three years with the highest grades I’ve ever achieved before and I have developed new skills such as confidence, teamwork, communication skills. I have gained so much from the modules such as physical preparation, responding to emergencies and professional development.”
Reflecting on the conference, Patrick Finch said: “The event went well with more than a dozen guest speakers representing different facets of public service and delivering inspiring presentations about working in this sector. From trainee paramedics to police officers, MoD police, retained firefighters, and more, the breadth of experiences shared truly resonated with our students.”
John Kendal, Assistant Principal of Reaseheath College, emphasised the significance of nurturing the next generation of public service workers to support local communities.
He said: “As a college dedicated to excellence in education, we recognise the vital role our students play in serving their communities. Events like the Public Services Conference not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire and guide our current students towards fulfilling careers in public service.”
“The success stories of Reaseheath alumni underscore the college’s commitment to providing comprehensive education that equips students with the skills and resilience needed to thrive in diverse fields of public service, ensuring they are industry focussed and career ready.”
