Gavin’s childhood dream of being a paramedic comes true in later life thanks to his drive and dedication
On 12 April 2021 the national Access to Higher Education student awards were held in memory of Keith Fletcher to recognise the outstanding commitment to study and academic achievement from a field of excellent candidates
Although the awards ceremony was not hosted at its usual prestigious setting, Houses of Parliament Westminster, it was a wonderful occasion celebrating the achievements of Access to Higher Education learners.
There were two awards up for grabs; for Outstanding Commitment to Study, and for Outstanding Academic Achievement. We are delighted that the winner of the award for Outstanding Academic Achievement is Gavin McKay, an Agored Cymru Access to HE Diploma student from Coleg Ceredigion.
Gavin had been a secondary school ICT Manager at Aberaeron Comprehensive School in Ceredigion for more than 15 years. Although it provided security for his family and was a rewarding role, since his early 30s Gavin has wished that he had followed a career in Paramedics.
The title ‘Paramedic’ is protected by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and as such, a paramedic degree must be achieved to be employed with this title.
At the age of 46 with a substantial number of years out of education, Gavin knew that an Access to Higher Education Diploma was required if he was to have the chance of enrolling into the competitive Paramedic Sciences degree course.
When asked about his experience of the Diploma, Gavin said: “With dependents and a mortgage this big decision took a lot of deliberation, but with the support of my wife, children and family I decided to commit to the diploma and enrolled at Coleg Ceredigion Aberystwyth in 2019.”
Gavin continued: “The delivery of the diploma and support from the lecturers and management team at Coleg Ceredigion provided an excellent start to the initial steps and pathway to my chosen career. In many ways, the Access to HE course exceeded my expectations - not only did it enable me to enter into higher education, but it also gave me skills that are critical to producing high quality work, such as research, time management and communication.
I would recommend the Diploma to anyone who has been out of education for some years and who is wishing to fulfill their educational requirements to complete a university degree - no matter what age.
I was thrilled to gain a place on the BSc Paramedic Science degree at Swansea University in 2020.”
Gavin is currently in his first year as a student of Paramedic Sciences at Swansea University, and hopes to become a registered Paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council. Eventually, Gavin’s ambition is to be employed by the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust.
Jennifer Glenc, Gavin’s nominating tutor at Coleg Ceredigion shared these words in celebration of Gavin’s achievements and recognition:
“Gavin McKay is a testament to how dedication, commitment and ambition can unlock an individual's potential, and proof that adult learners can achieve their goals at any age or stage in life. Gavin shows us that childhood dreams of a career can come true in later life, provided you have the drive and dedication necessary to see it through. With the philosophy that there is no better person to define your destiny, but YOU. His unwavering dedication and consistency in his work has gifted the NHS with an individual who will make a great difference to the individuals he will encounter throughout his new career.”
Congratulations once again to Gavin - Agored Cymru are thrilled to have been able to play a part in your journey to success in your desired career. We wish you the best of luck with your degree and future as a Paramedic.
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Agored Cymru are responsible for developing, approving and monitoring Access to Higher Education Diplomas in Wales.
We work with every further education college in Wales to offer a wide range of Diplomas from Bioscience to Social Care.
Go here to see the full list of Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education Diplomas.
We are licensed and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).