Healthcare support workers celebrate higher education success with HEIW and partners
Published 14 November 2025
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) was delighted to be part of a celebratory event to mark the academic achievements of more than 50 healthcare support workers from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).
The event at Venue Cymru commended the Healthcare Practice Higher Education leaners for completing the Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice.
Funded by HEIW and delivered in strategic partnership between Coleg Llandrillo, BCUHB and Bangor University, the programme develops learners’ higher-level knowledge and skills to enable them to carry out advanced duties within their health care support worker posts.
The programme also empowers learners’ to apply for an increased range of roles that extend their responsibilities and experience and offers potential for progression on to the second year of some healthcare degrees at higher education institutions in Wales.
The course exemplifies HEIW’s commitment to support quality learning and development opportunities for the NHS Wales workforce that encourage individual career development and positively impact patient care.
Martin Reily, Deputy Director of Education, Commissioning and Quality at HEIW shared his reflections on the event:
“It was inspiring to see the learners graduating and hear the stories of their education journeys.
“These individuals are embedded in the local community and make a massive difference in the services they work in. They are motivated, innovative and enhance patients' safe and quality care.
“HEIW looks forward to working in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and BCUHB to offer even more opportunities to develop our valued healthcare support worker workforce.”
Paul Flanagan, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo, said:
"I am immensely proud of the programme. A 93% success rate is an outstanding achievement that reflects the dedication of our academic and support staff, the commitment of our students, and the strength of collaborative leadership.
“The achievements of this cohort, many progressing from vocational roles to higher education qualifications, have shown remarkable determination. Their success is underpinned by the vital guidance of workplace mentors, and the support of our partners at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Health Education and Improvement Wales.
“Together we are building higher-level skills and confidence to excel, raising the quality of care and creating clear and sustainable pathways for future progression and career aspirations.
“This outstanding achievement highlights the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of lifelong learning.”
The Level 4 Healthcare Practice programme has grown significantly since 2013, when it began with a single cohort of eight students. HEIW now commissions Coleg Llandrillo to deliver the programme to more than 180 healthcare support workers across health, primary care and social care across Wales.
This year’s successful candidates praised the programme, with Keyley Davies saying: “This course transforms self-doubt into self-belief. Tutors are nurturing and deeply committed to developing professional practitioners.
“A strong sense of community forms among students and staff, creating a supportive, family-like environment. It’s a great course to prepare you for your next steps in your healthcare career.”
Elaine Thomson said: “Achieving my Level 4 in Healthcare Practice has been a journey of fulfilment. What at first seemed like a hard academic battle, became the reality that I could achieve my goal, and there's no feeling more amazing than that.”
Carmen Griffiths said: “Level 4 Healthcare Practice completed! I’m grateful for the journey, proud of the progress, and ready to make a difference. I’ve learned so much, and it has given me the courage to take a big step toward a future I’m excited about!”
Melanie Aspinall said: “This course didn’t just teach me skills, it gave me confidence in what I can do next.”
To find out more about the Level 5 Healthcare Practice programme, visit www.gllm.ac.uk/courses/certificate-of-he-in-healthcare-practice.
Image copyright: Gwrp Llandrillo Menai