Mulberry Bush Nursery Group have been working with Bury College for a number of years, hiring and training childcare Apprentices. The partnership has provided learners with amazing opportunities and resulted in thriving careers.
We have been catching up with students at Bury College University Centre that are developing their skills whilst studying a Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).
HTQs are Level 4 and 5 qualifications that have been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education as meeting occupational standards for their relevant sector. They have been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure students have the skills required for their chosen careers.
Our Healthcare Practice HNC HTQ has been a useful pathway for students in recent years to progress onto higher education courses and then into employment.
Rimsha Iqbal is currently studying the course and aspires to become a Social Worker once she has finished her education. When talking about the benefits of a HTQ and the wider advantages of studying at Bury College University Centre, she said: “I have gained lots of new skills since first starting on the course. At a basic level, my communication skills have improved, and I now feel less nervous about talking to young people and families. In the short term, I am looking forward to starting my placement at Killelea House and putting my new skills into practice.”
After Rimsha completes the course, her immediate next step will be to attend the University of Salford, where she will study Social and Community Work.
Connor Kerfoot also has aspirations to progress his career. He spoke candidly about the benefits of starting his higher education journey in more familiar surroundings at Bury College. Connor said: “I have benefitted from the smaller class sizes. Having more personalised support has allowed me to develop my knowledge and start preparing for my career.
He is already working within the healthcare sector, as a career at Millfield Care Home. Connor spoke about how the course has already had a positive impact on his career, saying: “It’s helped me prepare for different situations that can occur within a care home and take the lead in certain cases where appropriate. I didn’t have the confidence to do that before I started the course. Once I have gained this qualification, I aim to study a full bachelor's and become a qualified Child Psychologist.”
Click here to discover more about Higher Technical Qualifications at Bury College University Centre.
Mulberry Bush Nursery Group have been working with Bury College for a number of years, hiring and training childcare Apprentices. The partnership has provided learners with amazing opportunities and resulted in thriving careers.
Bury College welcomed learners from 12 Greater Manchester colleges for the GM Skills Foundation Studies Competition, where students showcased creative heritage-inspired projects and took part in a collaborative team challenge. The event celebrated student creativity, confidence, and community.
Bury College hosted the GM Skills Construction Competition on Friday 13th March 2026, with students from nine colleges competing across Plastering, Bricklaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical Installation, Painting and Decorating, and Plumbing, showcasing top skills and earning multiple wins.
A former Bury College Hairdressing Apprentice has come full circle, embarking on an exciting teaching career which will see him inspire the next generation of Hairdressers.
Read how Deborah, an adult learner at Bury College, is progressing in her career and finding new purpose after previously retiring.
Read how Codi has used the skills of her Catering course at Bury College to support her journey to becoming a restaurant owner.