Do I take the plunge and get a career I love?

coinxoperated

Hi,

I'm 22 and have worked constantly since the age of 13. (voluntary, work experience and then paid employment from age 16)

I've flitted between industries, from retail, sales, finance and now childcare - mainly admin based roles.

Ideally I would love to become either a Midwife or Vet.

Growing up, I was told that you had to be 'VERY smart' to become either, and my family always steered me away from the 'hard to achieve' jobs. I think they were always worried I would let myself down.

Now, at 22, I feel that I'm young enough to finish a course/degree in something I love and actually have a career I want.

My main problem is that I just don't know where to start. I would be equally happy being a midwife or vet, they are both careers that appeal to me for many reasons and I understand the negatives and plus sides of both of the roles.

Becoming a vet and being able to open my own practice down the line also really appeals to me. Obviously midwifery doesn't offer this sort of option.

Where should I start? I'm currently working full time, have no savings, no real formal qualifications (NVQ 3 in business admin only, no GCSE'S), but I KNOW I can do this with a little bit of guidance.

I'm ready to live on beans on toast for 5 years studying and having student debt which has allowed me to achieve my dream.

What sort of steps should I take to becomes midwife or vet? I would really need to start at the very bottom and work my way up, which I'm more than willing to do!

Thanks for reading!

jayII

The simplest/quickest route to university is usually to do a suitable access course at a local college, but you usually need 5 or so GCSEs at C or above (including maths and English) to get onto the access course.

The longer route is to do GCSEs then A-levels, but this may give you more choice.

Sooo, you'll probably need to start with GCSE level qualifications. Either by doing the GCSEs themselves, or by doing a specific course which enables you to do progress to the next level. The best place to advise you is probably your local Further Education College.

The UCAS website is useful to get an overview of what different degrees require.

ETA: definitely go for it, you've nothing to lose and a huge amount to gain. You don't want to look back in 20 years time and wish you'd followed your dream!

coinxoperated

I'm pretty confident I could talk my way into a collage course if I really wanted too, but I just wanted to make sure I was going down the right route!

Any idea on how long studying takes assuming I passed first time for the exams?

princessdon

As a mature student (yes sadly you are!) you should walk into the access course. If you want to do this via OU and work, have a look at that too.

Your best bet is to decide which one (VET v Midwife) and ring your local Uni and ask them for entry requirements and what they would advise you do.

They are best placed and will save you doing a year (and paying fees) for something you may not need.

Funding for HE and FE are different - so how will you support yourself if you need FE? All needs asked

but yes - It can be done and I think the sacrifices will be worth it.

laura243

Yes, just go for it, I'm sure you would regret it if you didn't.My friend is training to be a vet, it's on the job training but she still gets her degree at the end of it, I'm presuming she usually attends University once a week or so.Maybe worth looking into?

jayII

coinxoperated wrote: »

I'm pretty confident I could talk my way into a collage course if I really wanted too, but I just wanted to make sure I was going down the right route!

Any idea on how long studying takes assuming I passed first time for the exams?

GCSEs or similar level course should be 1 year. Access course 1 to 2 years. Or A-levels would be 2 years.

Veterinary college is, I think, 6 years. Midwifery is 3 years. So anything from 5-6 years for midwifery to to 9 for veterinary studies.

Midwifery used to attract an NHS bursary but I'm not sure if it still does. AFAIK vets tend to earn a lot more and work more regular hours than midwives. I think veterinary studies is more competitive to get into.

coinxoperated

Oh god, a 'mature' student. I feel so old!!

Sorry, what's the difference between HE and FE?

Would I be entitled to any sort of living burserys? I don't mind having student debt at the end of it, but I can't say I could survive with no cash at all and studying full time. It's such a shame I don't have parents I could move in with! To think of how desperate I was to leave home and now I just wish I could go back!

I would ideally prefer becoming a vet. I'm not sure I can wait until the ripe age of 30 to start earning though.... I was hoping 5 years maximum really

jayII

coinxoperated wrote: »

Oh god, a 'mature' student. I feel so old!!

Sorry, what's the difference between HE and FE?

Would I be entitled to any sort of living burserys? I don't mind having student debt at the end of it, but I can't say I could survive with no cash at all and studying full time. It's such a shame I don't have parents I could move in with! To think of how desperate I was to leave home and now I just wish I could go back!

I would ideally prefer becoming a vet. I'm not sure I can wait until the ripe age of 30 to start earning though.... I was hoping 5 years maximum really

HE= Higher Education (universty)
FE= Further Education (GCSE A-level and access type courses)

Personally I'd start by doing GCSEs or a similar level qualification, maybe some sort of taster course with the OU, to get an idea of your academic abilities. I had a quick look and most VET courses ask for 5 or more 'A's at GCSE plus at least 3 'A's at A-level. Those are very tough requirements. No reason you shouldn't be able to do it but at the same time you don't want to bite off more than you can chew.

You can probably do most of the initial studies while working full or part time, so funding may not be such a big issue at that stage.

ohreally

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/vet/studying/uk-eu-school-leavers/entry-requirements

coinxoperated

Goodness this is all so confusing!

The fact I can't figure out exactly what I needed by looking at all the websites on google doesn't fill me with much hope!

princessdon

fE will be your entry to Uni (Access, GCSE, A levels) etc.

For that you will not get funding (your course *may* be free, but you'd get no living expenses. Eg JSA (job seekers) are ineligible due to full time as you are not seeking work. If you find a part time access course over 2 years, you can claim JSA but as you left your job you'd face sanctions etc.

HE - Uni - You'd get financial help.

That is why I suggested ringing the Uni and looking at the Open University route - so you can work and study around your work.

you may need to work part time (FT courses are normally only 16 hours a week) and fund yourself at FE.