We are incredibly proud to share the story of Alex Ashby, who has recently begun a Public Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship with the NHS and the University of East London.

Alex is a wheelchair user, and continues to inspire everyone around him with his can-do attitude, and drive to achieve his best.

Alex’s post-16 study began by completing a Foundation Learning course at Merton College, before progressing to Level 2 Business at South Thames College (STC) in 2017/2018. Here he found his niche, and excelled on this course, before completing the Level 3 Business course at STC, gaining a Merit, Distinction, Distinction (MDD) grade profile overall.

Whilst studying at STC, Alex excelled in his internal Work Placement with the Employability Team, and also completed a highly successful Placement with Surrey Council.

Since then, Alex has shown great initiative in applying for, and gaining a place on the Public Health Practitioner Degree programme, starting in 2022/2023.

Alex commented:

“South Thames College has equipped me with the skills and qualifications I needed to become a Public Health Apprentice. I am now earning and learning, attending university, and working within public health.

I would not be where I am today without the support and kindness the staff at South Thames College showed me. I appreciate all of the staff who believed in me, even when I did not.”