CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE - HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Wigan & Leigh College’s Centre of Excellence in Health & Social Care is dedicated to providing exceptional training programmes for the region’s aspiring nurses and health care workers.

Our established Centre of Excellence delivers courses from Level 3 to Post Graduate and apprenticeships for careers in:

  • counselling
  • mental health
  • midwifery
  • nursing
  • paramedics
  • radiography
  • social sciences
  • social work
  • radiology
  • youth work

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a full-time course providing access to outstanding support from experienced tutors and a range of placements at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh (WWL) NHS Foundation Trust. Staff at the Trust work with students as designated mentors, Practice Education Facilitators and the Professional Practice Team. Students have access to senior nurses and the Assistant Director of Nursing.

Our first cohort of pre-degree nursing students all achieved triple star Distinctions. Many of them are progressing to university to take up a range of nursing degrees, with two also achieving success at the World Skills Health and Social Care competition.

Career Opportunities

According to Health Education England, health workers are in high demand, in particular nurses, therapists, midwives and paramedics. The NHS needs to recruit 190,000 more staff by 2027 to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population.

Starting salaries for paramedics and nurses range from £22,000 to £29,000. With experience and seniority, salaries rise from £31,000 to £69,000.

Excellence in Student Success and Achievements

Our students progress onto University, an apprenticeship or employment in their chosen career.

  • Achievement is 3.8% above the national average and has been for the last 3 years.
  • Pass rate is 97.4% which is 6.2% above national average
  • 100% achievement on the ‘Skills for Health’ programme
  • A unique Pre-Degree Nursing programme is delivered in partnership with Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust

Read about our Alumni Success and Achievements below...

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Our expert tutors are time served experts in their industry and hold the highest qualifications in their field. They have worked in the careers we are training students for and engage in continued professional development to stay ahead.

Meet some of our care professional tutors in the expert tutor profiles.

Industry Standard Facilities

Our new clinical skills centre provides a realistic training environment to enhance students’ technical skills and knowledge, complete with ward environment and equipment used in the health sector. Browse our facilities gallery to find out more.

Excellence in Partnerships and Employer Engagement

Our students engage with leading companies providing excellent opportunities to deliver work in industry, read more about projects in the last few years here...

Our Expert Social Care Tutors

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Chris Kennedy
Health & Social Care Professional
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Tim Ablett
Health & Social Care Professional
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Lorna Brackenbury
Higher Education Lead and Lecturer
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Robyn Roberts
Health & Social Care Professional

Explore Our Facilities

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Excellent Learning Facilities
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Clinical Skills Centre