Alumni Reunite to Celebrate 30 Years of Health Course

We have celebrated 30 years of our renowned health course with an unforgettable event uniting alumni from the past three decades.

The memorable event brought together former students and faculty members to celebrate the thousands of adults who have studied the Level 3 Access to Higher Education (HE) in Health and Social Care Professions course with us over the past three decades.

“Without Viv’s support, I would not be where I am today! The support and guidance were invaluable, especially at the beginning when I returned to education after a seven-year break.”

Held at The Open Kitchen, the event highlighted the course’s rich history and profound impact on the health industry with former students advancing to careers as Specialist Clinical Nurses, Physiotherapists, Midwives, Radiographers, and more.

Amanda Cockerill, a Specialist Physiotherapist at Barnsley Hospital, attended the event to show support for the Course Leader Viv Herbert and celebrate this significant occasion with fellow students.

Amanda, who studied the course part-time in 2010, expressed her gratitude. She said: “Without Viv’s support, I would not be where I am today! The support and guidance were invaluable, especially at the beginning when I returned to education after a seven-year break.

“Viv, in particular, was a tremendous help. She once took the time to sit down with me, discuss my goals, and outline all the available options. I deeply appreciated that support.”

When asked, other alumni described the event as ‘an opportunity to thank Viv’, ‘a reunion with lifelong friends’, ‘a chance to witness everyone’s journey’ and ‘an honour to return to celebrate a remarkable milestone.’

Viv Herbert, the Access to HE in Health and Social Care Professions Course Leader, has been teaching since the launch of the course in 1994. She added: “Over the past 30 years, more than 3,000 of our students have advanced into the health sector. We hope that the course will continue to allow students to progress for another 30 years.

“The celebration honoured the hard work and dedication of our alumni, highlighting the significant impacts they have had on the health sector, including many who worked in hospitals during the pandemic.”

We offer the Level 3 Access to HE in Health and Social Care Professions course as a one-year, full-time programme (two days a week) or a two-year, part-time programme (evenings). For more information and to apply, visit the Health page or contact the Information Team at info@barnsley.ac.uk.