Almost 50 healthcare support workers from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have celebrated gaining a higher education qualification designed to develop their skills and open up new career opportunities.

The learners were recognised at a ceremony at Venue Cymru in Llandudno after completing the Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice, delivered by Coleg Llandrillo in partnership with the health board and Bangor University.

The programme is commissioned and supported by Health Education and Improvement Wales and enables healthcare support workers to develop their knowledge and take on higher-level duties in their existing roles.

It can also provide a route into further study, with graduates potentially able to progress directly into the second year of a Bachelor of Nursing degree at universities in Wales and elsewhere.

The programme began in 2013 with just eight students. It has since expanded significantly, with Coleg Llandrillo now delivering the qualification to more than 120 healthcare support workers across health, primary care and social care in North Wales and across Wales.

The intensive course combines practical experience in the workplace with academic study and assessments at college, alongside workplace assessments carried out by clinically qualified NHS staff.

For many of this year's graduates, completing the qualification meant balancing demanding jobs and family commitments with returning to education.

Bethan Williams said the experience had shown her that it was never too late to challenge herself and achieve something she had previously doubted she could do. She praised the tutors for their encouragement and support throughout the course.

Gareth Edwards described the qualification as a rewarding journey of personal growth and determination, while Kalina Megdanska said she had finished feeling motivated to continue learning and improving.

Gareth Jones said returning to education after a long break had been extremely challenging, but gaining the qualification had opened doors for his future career.

Debra McGettrick said completing the course was a reminder of the hard work and challenges she had overcome, while Alice Humphries said it had helped her develop confidence in her own abilities.

Paul Flanagan, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo, said the programme had achieved a 98 per cent success rate, which he attributed to the commitment of students and staff and the strength of the partnership between the organisations involved.

Anne-Marie Rowlands, Director of Nursing Professional Regulation and Education at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said the learners had demonstrated a strong commitment to developing their careers while continuing to provide care.

She said the qualification was an investment in healthcare support workers, helping them progress professionally and contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Rachel Mooney, representing Health Education and Improvement Wales, said the graduates made a significant difference to patients and families in their communities and that their achievements demonstrated the value of lifelong learning.

The partnership aims to help healthcare support workers build on their experience, broaden their responsibilities and access further opportunities within the health and care workforce.