<p>We caught up with Nigel almost 2 years after our previous catch up (<a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/ucw-award-winner-nigels-remarkable-growth/">UCW Award Winner Nigel’s Remarkable Growth – University Centre Weston</a>), to find out how he has been getting on with his <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/registered-nursing-degree-apprenticeship/… Nurse Degree Apprenticeship</a> after completing a <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/nursing-associate-fdsc/">Nursing Associate Foundation Degree</a>!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Nigel’s Blog –</strong></p><p>Progressing from my Nursing Associate foundation degree into the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) felt like a natural next step in my career. The foundation degree gave me a strong clinical base, so moving into the RNDA has allowed me to build on that knowledge while taking on more responsibility. My understanding of the nurse’s role has grown significantly, and I now feel I am developing into a more confident and capable practitioner.</p><p>One of the biggest surprises for me has been how closely academic learning connects with day-to-day practice. Topics discussed in university sessions often appear in real clinical situations, which really helps to reinforce my learning and make it more meaningful. Being able to see theory applied in practice has strengthened my confidence and helped me understand the “why” behind what we do.</p><p>My previous experience as a Nursing Associate has helped me settle into the RNDA programme. I already felt confident within my clinical setting and in communicating with patients and multidisciplinary teams. This has meant I can focus more on developing my leadership and decision-making skills, as well as becoming more inquisitive about why care is delivered in certain ways, rather than simply carrying out tasks.</p><p>What I am finding most rewarding about the RNDA is developing deeper clinical knowledge and becoming more involved in-patient assessment and care planning. Being able to contribute more meaningfully to patient care and see the direct impact on patient outcomes is incredibly motivating.</p><p>I have also developed stronger assessment and critical thinking skills, which are already influencing my clinical practice. These skills help me make more informed clinical decisions and contribute more confidently during handovers and multidisciplinary discussions. They also support my colleagues, as I am able to provide more comprehensive background information and assessments when handing over patients, saving valuable time for others such as GPs.</p><p>Learning at UCW continues to support my confidence and clinical decision-making. The teaching encourages reflective practice and evidence-based decision-making, which has really helped me grow. I feel more confident with patient assessments and now have a deeper understanding of my own limitations. UCW are also very proactive in ensuring we are aware of the support available, which has been reassuring throughout my studies.</p><p>Since starting the degree apprenticeship, my long-term career goals have become clearer. I have developed a strong interest in specialising in long-term condition management and taking on expanded clinical responsibilities. I am increasingly focused on the impact of what we do and why we do it, rather than seeing my role as purely task-based.</p><p>To work towards these ambitions, I am actively seeking learning opportunities in practice that focus on long-term condition management and specialist care. I am also planning future study that will enable me to progress onto a prescribing course once I qualify as a registered nurse and meet the required enrolment criteria. More recently, I have also developed an interest in becoming a contraceptive implant fitter once qualified. Spending time alongside implant fitters introduced me to a role I had not previously considered and showed me how valuable clinical exposure can be in shaping future career interests.</p><p>For anyone considering the RNDA route or a degree apprenticeship at UCW, I would strongly encourage you to pursue it. While balancing work and study can be challenging at times, the support available and the practical experience gained make the journey highly rewarding. The apprenticeship route offers the best of both worlds: real-world clinical experience alongside academic learning.</p><p>The RNDA pathway has given me an excellent opportunity to grow professionally while continuing to deliver patient care. I’m excited to see where this journey leads and what new skills I can learn along the way. <strong>Thank you, UCW, for the opportunity.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092"><img data-entity-uuid="eaf6b4b4-0652-40ab-972c-93b41113741e" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Power%20Up%20-%20WEB%20BANNER_0.jpg" width="5522" height="1355"></a>

<p><span data-teams="true">Weston College was delighted to welcome back its alumnus, <strong>Dave Trevaskus </strong>(now Head of Retail Training at the </span><a href="https://www.lego.com/en-gb/aboutus/lego-group"><span data-teams="true"><strong>LEGO Group</strong></span></a><span data-teams="true">), for a full day of workshops on Thursday 2nd of October. Dave’s visit brought energy, insight, and a genuine sense of connection as he shared lessons from his own journey and encouraged learners and staff to see every challenge as a stepping stone and to encourage a playful mindset.</span></p><p><span data-teams="true">Dave’s sessions revolved around three core themes: <strong>learning through play, sustaining curiosity, </strong>and<strong> embracing bravery.</strong> Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, he made it clear that real-life careers seldom follow a straight line, and that’s okay. He stressed how powerful it is to push beyond your comfort zone, because that’s where growth happens.</span></p><p><span data-teams="true">In his talk (featured in the video), Dave said, </span><em><span data-teams="true">“If you don’t make mistakes, you won’t create anything new.” </span></em><span data-teams="true">He reminded the audience that mistakes aren’t signs of failure, they’re part of the process. He also urged everyone to </span><em><span data-teams="true">“be curious first, and confident later”</span></em><span data-teams="true"> to ask questions, experiment, and let that spirit guide your next steps.</span></p><p><span data-teams="true">Dave opened the day with a playful but meaningful quiz, helping participants explore the LEGO Group’s history and values while also giving a peek into his own professional path. It sparked laughter, curiosity, and healthy rivalry - the quiz champion walked away with a special LEGO set.</span></p><p><span data-teams="true">One of the standout challenges had groups using just six LEGO bricks to build a duck. Despite everyone having the same minimal materials, the results were wildly varied. That playful exercise drove home a serious point: <strong>our perspectives differ, </strong>and that <strong>diversity is a strength. </strong>It showed how creativity, and the courage to try something unexpected, can turn the same raw materials into wholly unique outcomes.</span></p><p><span data-teams="true">Throughout the workshops, Dave returned repeatedly to his message about mistakes. He said, </span><em><span data-teams="true">“Don’t be afraid to break things - break assumptions,”</span></em><span data-teams="true"> and encouraged the group to reframe errors as experiments rather than missteps. In doing so, he helped foster a culture of resilience, curiosity, and more daring thinking.</span></p><p><span data-teams="true">Dave commented that for him the visit was more than a speaking engagement, it was a chance to return and to stir excitement and possibility in the next generation. His passion for lifelong learning, creative thinking, and courageous action resonated deeply, leaving attendees energized and more willing to lean into uncertainty.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@westoncollege/video/7556974252814109974&quot; data-video-id="7556974252814109974"><section><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@westoncollege?refer=embed&quot; target="_blank" title="@westoncollege">@westoncollege</a> Weston College alumni, Dave, has made his way back to Weston College to host multiple workshops for both learners and staff about his career journey, learning through play and his role at @lego <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-WestonCollege-7556974283492…; target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - WestonCollege">♬ original sound - WestonCollege</a></p></section></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script&gt;

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Level 1 courses are a great way to build a foundation of knowledge around a subject, introducing you at a more flexible and slower pace whilst building your skills and preparing you to progress onto Level 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>There are many benefits to a Level 1 course. They create a foundation of knowledge for learners, building a solid base of information and skills which make them ideal for beginners. Not only this, they also build confidence in unfamiliar areas and act as a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications. They are also more accessible and flexible to a wider range of students.&nbsp;</p><p>Our Level 1 courses vary in entry requirements, with most courses requiring 5 GCSEs grade 3-1 with at least two grade 3 results. On some courses, it is also required to gain at least a grade 2 in GCSE Maths and English. This makes our Level 1 courses accessible to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed and progress to the Level 2 courses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">With this level of qualification, you could move onto a Level 2 study programme or an apprenticeship at Level 2, this includes technical qualifications such as diplomas, certificates and NVQs at level 2, transitioning to T Level Programme, or intermediate apprenticeships.</p><p>At Weston College, we have many Level 1 courses available, including <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… and Design</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… and Production</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… you are unsure of what course level is best for you, check out our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/which-level-right-me"><u>Leve… Explained</u></a> page to gain a more in-depth understanding.&nbsp;</p><p>If you are still unsure, email <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="mailto:enquiries@weston.ac.uk"><u>enquiries@weston.ac.uk</u></a&gt; or visit one of our campuses and speak to the team for help.</p>