A student whose College experience helped him to figure out his path into higher education has been offered a place at a prestigious University.

Nathan Lamb, 19 from Askam, will be packing his bags and travelling down to the University of Manchester to study Medicine after achieving four A Levels at The Sixth Form in Barrow.

Nathan took a gap year to work in his chosen career field before applying for University, something he’d recommend to any student.

“I always wanted to take a gap year. It meant that I could relax a bit after A Levels and just enjoy this year before going back into studying.

“I’m working at Risedale as a Health Care Assistant, which I started when I was studying at The Sixth Form. It’s been such an invaluable experience because I’ve been able to shadow doctors and work within the field of medicine before I go into studying it full time.

“The work experience helped me to write my personal statement and it helped in my University interviews too as I had so much to talk about.”

Ex-Dowdales student Nathan originally attended The Sixth Form with an open mind on which career path to take. He began taking Medicine seriously as a career option after speaking with a careers advisor and attending a talk about careers in medicine.

He said: “For A Levels I chose the subjects that I liked. I didn’t realise I wanted to be a doctor, I just really enjoyed Chemistry and Biology.

“I spoke to Sam Roberts, the careers advisor at College. She was really helpful. We did some mock interviews, she helped me with my personal statement. She put me in touch with an ex-student who is now a doctor. He spoke to me about his experiences, and it just really helped me to realise that I wanted to get into Medicine.”

Nathan studied 4 A Levels through the Furness College Honours programme, achieving As in Geography, Chemistry and Biology, and a B in English Language last summer.

He’s now looking forward to beginning his studies in Manchester in September.

When asked whether he had any advice to share for school and college students, Nathan said, “I would say to attend all of the career talks and events that College puts on, especially if you’re unsure on your career path or what to do after College. Sixth Form really helped me to figure out my career.”

Nicola Cove, Principal & CEO, said: “We are delighted for Nathan and wish him the very best for his time at university and future career.

“We are passionate about helping young people to achieve their education goals and take that next step to university, further study including higher and degree apprenticeships, or employment. If you are about to leave school and still unsure about what you want to do next, we can give you impartial information, advice and guidance to help you decide on the right course and pathway for you.”

Applications are open for September 2024.

To find out more, or to apply to Furness College, please visit https://www.furness.ac.uk/apply-now/ Or call Student Services on 01229 825017.