海角直播

Paul clinches a new career in Physiotherapy

Paul Batey left school at 15 ready to start work and forget about education. Now, over 15 years later he has graduated from the University of 海角直播 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy, and will receive the Beatrice Lamballe prize for best project. Paul also joined the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough as a Physiotherapist in July.

Father-of-three Paul, 31, from Ingleby Barwick, originally left St. Patrick鈥檚 School in Thornaby and started to train as a gas fitter. He followed this by joining an electronics company in Thornaby, progressing to the role of team leader. However, after five years he faced redundancy. Paul said: 鈥淎t school I wasn鈥檛 really that motivated but a year after I left I got a real thirst for knowledge. At this time I passed 鈥極鈥� levels in Human Biology and English Language at night school. When I was made redundant I thought about University, but wasn鈥檛 sure what I wanted to do, although I considered teaching. Ultimately, I gained a job as a test operator with Fujitsu, I was tempted by the good salary.鈥�

He stayed with Fujitsu for five years, and during this period passed GCSE Maths. This gave Paul the incentive to resign from work and enrol in full-time education.

鈥淚 became interested in Biology and Anatomy and wanted to become a Physiotherapist, and I knew the entry requirements were high. I enrolled on an Access to Human Sciences course at Middlesbrough College, as well as an 鈥楢鈥� level in Human Biology. It was an intensive year, and I was married with a step-daughter and son by this point, but knew I wanted to study. My wife Lisa and my mother were a great support,鈥� said Paul.

He gained a grade B in Human Biology and high grades in his Access course, and enrolled initially on a teaching degree at Durham, before switching to Physiotherapy at 海角直播 a year later. Throughout his studies Paul also worked as a Youth worker in Middlesbrough.

Paul said: 鈥淚 really enjoyed the course, it gave me the confidence, the experience and the independence for my new post. The clinical placements in a range of hospitals were invaluable, as you helped real patients, got to piece all your knowledge together and apply it.鈥�

Paul鈥檚 prize-winning dissertation explored the GAITRite system, an instrument that measures walking speed. The project was presented to Health Secretary Alan Milburn when he opened the new School of Health Building in November 2000. Paul and Lisa have recently celebrated another addition to their family, with the birth of son Samuel.

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