NHS manager Laura Swannick says the qualifications she has gained at Telford College have been instrumental in helping her achieve some of her biggest career goals.

Laura was a medical secretary when she signed up for a CIPD qualification in people practice at the college’s Wellington campus and is now a project manager at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH).

She admitted to being daunted by the idea of returning to education in her late 20s, nearly a decade after beginning her career with the NHS. But she describes her time at Telford College as an ‘unexpectedly rewarding’ experience.

Laura, originally from Shrewsbury, is a former student of Mary Webb School & Science College in Pontesbury who began her career as a business administration apprentice with Shropshire Council.

She then went on to study history at the University of Wolverhampton, before taking a job with the NHS in 2017 – starting at Clive Medical Practice and then moving to SaTH.

“As I gained experience within the NHS, I became increasingly motivated to invest in my own development and take on greater responsibility within my role,” she said.

“I chose a level three CIPD qualification in people practice at Telford College because of its strong reputation for supporting adult learners and its focus on practical, career driven education.

“Importantly, it offered the opportunity to gain a recognised professional qualification while continuing to work full time.

“Studying at Telford College felt like a positive step I was taking for myself, as well as for my future career.”

Since completing her Telford College studies, Laura has continued to progress her career at SaTH, moving into increasingly senior roles with more responsibility and impact.

She is now the colorectal cancer care project manager, where she leads and co-ordinates complex, patient focused projects that support service improvement and clinical research.

“When I began studying at Telford College, I was working as a medical secretary. The knowledge, confidence, and professional credibility gained through the CIPD qualification enabled me to progress into an office manager role, before moving into project management.

“The qualification I gained at Telford College played a significant role in helping me achieve my career goals. It gave me the confidence to take the next steps in my career and the credibility to progress into roles with greater responsibility.

“Beyond the qualification itself, returning to learning reminded me that it is never too late to invest in yourself.

“Studying alongside work showed me that further education can genuinely fit around real life, and the skills I gained continue to support my development as my career evolves.

“I would strongly encourage anyone considering a similar path to take that step… it has been hugely worthwhile for me.”

She added: “I chose Telford College because of its strong reputation for supporting adult learners and its focus on practical, career driven education. Importantly, it offered the opportunity to gain a recognised professional qualification while continuing to work full time.

“The course covered key areas such as employee relations, recruitment and selection, performance management, and the core principles of HR and people management.

“It provided me with a strong understanding of how effective people management supports organisational performance, staff wellbeing, and positive workplace culture.

“I found my time at Telford College to be both rewarding and genuinely enjoyable. Returning to education alongside full time work felt like a big step at first, but from the very beginning the course felt supportive, well organised, and achievable.

“What I valued most was how practical the course was. The balance between theory and real-world examples meant I could clearly see how what we were learning applied directly to my role within the NHS.

“The evening classes fitted well around my work and personal life, and I appreciated how much thought had gone into supporting adult learners.

“Many of my classmates were juggling busy jobs, family life, or childcare, and our tutor was always understanding, flexible, and approachable. That support made a huge difference and created a relaxed, encouraging learning environment.

“On a personal level, the course was also unexpectedly rewarding. Studying alongside people from different backgrounds and industries was inspiring, and I formed close friendships.

“Overall, my experience at Telford College helped rebuild my confidence, reminded me how much I enjoy learning, and showed me that further education can successfully fit around real life.”