A former Access to Higher Education student from Solihull College & University Centre is delighted to be working on her dream placement with a Birmingham charity as part of her Criminology & Psychology degree.
Holly Lewis, 21, had previously started a Level 3 Health & Social Care course after leaving school but had to leave college for personal reasons. She then went into part time work but was desperate to get back into studying.
Holly comments: “My tutors at Solihull College & University Centre knew I wanted to get back into studying, so they offered me an access course. I jumped at the chance to get back to college.”
Access to Higher Education courses prepare students for study at degree level. This could be people who have been out of education for a while or don’t currently hold the necessary entry qualifications.
Holly is now in the second year of her Criminology & Psychology degree. The degree, studied at the College’s Blossomfield Campus, is offered in partnership with Birmingham Newman University. As part of her degree, Holly is currently doing a work placement at Aquarius in Birmingham.
Aquarius supports people affected by alcohol, drugs and gambling. Senior Volunteer Coordinator, Taylor Barrett, comments: “Volunteering is such a vital component in our service delivery. Our Young People’s service in Birmingham will greatly benefit from Holly’s placement and it means a lot that she’s chosen to give her time to our Aquarius Cares Team – supporting looked-after children and young people who are affected by a parent’s substance use or mental health. Our volunteers and placements are a special part of the Aquarius family, and we look forward to seeing Holly grow and develop in this role.”
Holly would like to continue to volunteer with the charity once her placement ends and is still undecided on her future career – though her opportunities are endless.
She comments: “I would love a career working with families and children. There are so many areas I could work in. I’ve always wanted to do a degree and I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to get back into learning, but my lecturers at the College have been so supportive and I’m now on the right track for a career I’ve dreamed of.
“I would recommend an Access to Higher Education course to anyone who wants to get back into studying. There are so many opportunities out there – you just need to go out there and get them!”
