Choosing to study an Access to Higher Education Course was just the leg up that Tekleyohannes Hagos was looking for.

The 27-year-old from Middlesbrough has his sights set on a hospital career and so built up the skills he needs by studying Access to Health at Stockton Riverside College.

"It has been a little bit hard with all the assignments," he said, but Tekleyohannes has given it his all.

His hard work and determination paid off by securing him a place to study Biomedical science at Teesside University.

Of his time at Stockton Riverside College he said: "It is a nice environment to learn in."

Tekleyohannes, who is originally from Eritrea in Africa, hopes to go on to work as a laboratory technician.

Did you know Stockton Riverside College offers a range of HIgher Education (HE) courses as well as Access to HE courses for those looking for a step up to university?

Choose from a range of subjects including Access to Counselling, Education, Health, Humanities & Social Sciences and new starting this September Access to Science and Access to Sport.

For details visit: https://www.stockton.ac.uk/courses/access-to-higher-education/