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Returning to learning to take the next step in her career was one of the best decisions she’s ever made, according to Sylwia Jurasz.
And the Health and Social Care learner is using her experience in the industry to benefit her course mates – taking the lead to organise visits and opportunities to accelerate everyone’s learning.
In September 2024, Sylwia joined her Level 3 course at Preston College, a college partner of the Lancashire and Cumbria IoT. After nine years working in the health sector, she attended an open event and signed up on the spot. “I wanted to take that next step to increase my knowledge,” she says. “I’ve been waiting for so long to go back to education and I didn’t want to waste any more time.”
Currently a support worker at a day centre for people with disabilities, she previously spent seven years working in a care home, before deciding she wanted to go further.
The course runs for two days a week, with Sylwia working for the rest of the week.
“I’m a single parent and it can be a challenge at times working and studying, but I can manage it.” she says, with a smile. “You have to be well organised and responsible when it comes to doing your assignments, but I know why I’m doing this – it’s another step forward for me.”
Studying and working enables learners like Sylwia to put their new skills into practice straight away. For example, a recent safeguarding module cemented her knowledge of what she’s doing and what’s expected of her in her role at the day centre, where she works with people with complex needs.
Learning also comes from the others in her cohort, all with different experiences and backgrounds. Dawn Parkington, curriculum lead for adult health, says Sylwia is a shining example of an IoT learner, bringing the core value of collaboration to every part of her course.
“Sylwia brings a wealth of experience to the class and supports other people,” Dawn says. “She’s encouraged everyone to get out into the community to assist their learning and she’s arranged visits to a care home and the day centre she works at for the group.
“She’s very forward thinking and wants to grasp every opportunity.”
Looking ahead, Sylwia plans to go onto the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (mental health), an IoT course running at Preston College from September 2025. She sees a management role in healthcare as part of her future, drawing on her experiences in education and the industry.
“I’m at the bottom of the ladder and I’d like to go higher because I’m passionate about this job,” she says. “I really enjoy this course, it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
“If anyone is thinking about coming here I’d say it’s never too late to go back to education. If you’re passionate and willing to learn then this is the place to come, you get the best support. I have no regrets.”
