Part of the Etc.
The temperature may have been freezing but Cathrine Linford got to enjoy her moment in the sun.
She was among Stockton Riverside College’s latest batch of higher education students celebrating success.
Graduating at a glittering ceremony at Wynyard Hall, the event marked the culmination of all her hard work.
“It’s definitely worth it,” she said. “I wish I had done it sooner.”
Picking up a Foundation Degree in Early Years, delivered at the college in partnership with Teesside University, choosing to return to her studies had proved a massive change in direction for Cathrine.
“I worked at the University Hospital of North Tees hospital for 32 years,” she said. “I was a nurse initially and then worked in training and development.”
It was only after retiring that the Stockton mum and grandmother decided to try her hand at something new.
She said: “I had only been retired for six weeks when I went to Stockton Riverside College to see what they had to offer.”
Choosing a Level 3 course in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Cathrine’s new career path snowballed from there.
She moved on to a Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce. She said: “The natural progression was to move on to the Foundation Degree.”
Today Cathrine has not only completed her qualification, but she even managed to pick up a new job at the college.
Working in Learning and Support at The Skills Academy in Billingham, she said: “I love it. It’s so different to what I have done in the past.”
But, she hastened to add: “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teachers.”
Asked what her advice would be to others considering a move into higher education she said: “If you want to progress in life anything is possible.”
Did you know Stockton Riverside College offers a range of Higher Education and professional courses?
Come and see what we can do for you at our Higher Education Open Evening on Wednesday 14th December. Doors are open from 5pm-7pm.
Discover how we can help you find the route to your future career.
She was among Stockton Riverside College’s latest batch of higher education students celebrating success.Graduating at a glittering ceremony at Wynyard Hall, the event marked the culmination of all her hard work.
“It’s definitely worth it,” she said. “I wish I had done it sooner.”
Picking up a Foundation Degree in Early Years, delivered at the college in partnership with Teesside University, choosing to return to her studies had proved a massive change in direction for Cathrine.
“I worked at the University Hospital of North Tees hospital for 32 years,” she said. “I was a nurse initially and then worked in training and development.”
It was only after retiring that the Stockton mum and grandmother decided to try her hand at something new.
She said: “I had only been retired for six weeks when I went to Stockton Riverside College to see what they had to offer.”
Choosing a Level 3 course in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Cathrine’s new career path snowballed from there.
She moved on to a Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce. She said: “The natural progression was to move on to the Foundation Degree.”
Today Cathrine has not only completed her qualification, but she even managed to pick up a new job at the college.
Working in Learning and Support at The Skills Academy in Billingham, she said: “I love it. It’s so different to what I have done in the past.”
But, she hastened to add: “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teachers.”Asked what her advice would be to others considering a move into higher education she said: “If you want to progress in life anything is possible.”
Did you know Stockton Riverside College offers a range of Higher Education and professional courses?
Come and see what we can do for you at our Higher Education Open Evening on Wednesday 14th December. Doors are open from 5pm-7pm.
Discover how we can help you find the route to your future career.
