HNC ALUMNI: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
28.09.2026HNC’s past students progress to a huge variety of destinations, and we love to hear about the journeys our alumni take post-HNC. In this brand-new series, we will be sharing stories from former HNC students showcasing how they became their best selves at College, and the exciting routes they have taken after completing their studies.
Our Alumni Programme welcomes applications from former students – whether you left in the last year, the last decade, or the last century! You can find out more about the College’s Alumni programme and sign up here.
Today we hear from recent class of 2026 graduate, Kaysha L, who shares more about the exciting next steps she is taking as an Apprentice Support Worker for the NHS.
What did you study at HNC?
I chose to study a Blended Pathway programme, studying A Levels in English literature and Psychology alongside Applied Human Biology. It was studying these subjects that led me to consider a career in support work; Psychology gave me a better understanding of people’s behaviour, emotions and individual needs, Applied Human Biology developed my knowledge of the human body and health, while English Literature strengthened my communication and analytical skills, helping me to communicate effectively with the patients I support. Throughout my time at HNC, my teachers supported my ambitions, from encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone to supporting me to grow as a leader during my time as Deputy Head Student. With their support, I overcame many hurdles – helping me to achieve highly in all my subjects.
What enrichment did you take part in?
For my enrichment, I chose to apply for a position on the Student Council and successfully secured the position of Deputy Head Student! This was a brilliant opportunity to support students and champion student voice at HNC – one of my biggest achievements was securing microwaves for the Junction, providing students with additional lunch choices at College. As well as allowing me to support and represent my peers, being a member of the Student Council team has strengthened my communication skills, encouraged me to be an active listener and has solidified my teamwork skills.
How did the Careers team support your journey at HNC?
When I first joined HNC, I spoke to the Careers team about progressing to a career in the Allied Health professions, as that was my original plan. The team were so helpful in guiding me to the options available and I was also successful in applying for a work experience placement with the NHS through the Work Experience programme at HNC. It really solidified for me that supporting and working with people was the right path for me. I then saw that a Support Worker apprenticeship opportunity had been posted on the College’s Careers and Work Experience channel on Teams, and as I prefer a more hand on approach of learning, I felt that an apprenticeship would be a better suited option compared to university for me. I reached out to team who helped me fill out my application and supported me with mock interviews and preparation techniques
What are you doing now?
I have progressed onto a Support Worker apprenticeship within the NHS at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, where I am responsible for the undertaking of personal cares including end of life, patient observations and supporting patients that are undergoing treatments. It’s a hands-on role that allows me to make an immediate difference and develop my skills in a way that suits my style of learning. I love working with my patients and the skills that I developed at College have helped me to hit the ground running with my new role.
What advice would you give to our current students?
One piece of advice I would give to the current students at HNC is to stay open minded about your next steps and use the resources that are provided by HNC to your full advantage, whether that’s taking part in work experience, enrichments or the facilities such as the LSC. Time at HNC really does fly by so I feel as though it is extremely important to maximise your experience and enjoy the two years! In addition to this, I would like to emphasise that it’s okay for your ambitions to change. During college, you are bound to gain new experiences and values which may cause you to have a change of heart from the pathway you originally intended however, it’s vital that you stay true to yourself. Everything will work out in the end!
Join us at our upcoming Year 11 Open Event on Saturday 10 October to find out how the support, opportunities and expert teaching on offer at HNC can help you to become your best self and progress to your dream career, whatever your ambitions may be. Find out more here.
New Hey Road, Huddersfield, HD3 4GL
