At 35, Tom Crockford’s journey toward becoming a paramedic is anything but ordinary. Born in Salisbury, Tom’s path has been shaped by a desire to learn and grow. Running marathons, powerlifting, touring as a guitar technician and studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Paramedic Science) is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Tom’s story!
Rediscovering a Childhood Dream
“Isn’t it every boy’s dream to drive a blue light vehicle and drive fast (legally)?”
Tom’s aspiration to become a paramedic started when he was just 9 or 10 years old. However, school posed significant challenges. Diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, Tom struggled academically and left with a couple of GCSEs. Despite these hurdles, he persevered, studying health and social care at college with support from his tutors.
“My college was amazing. They gave me so much support and taught me skills and mechanisms to deal with my challenges,” Tom reflects.
But the idea of university felt daunting at the time. Instead, Tom ventured into music, initially studying the subject and later touring with bands. His journey led him to explore a wide range of interests, from running marathons to competing in powerlifting and even earning a Level 1 Karate Instructor qualification.
A Turning Point with learndirect
In 2023, while watching a medical drama on Netflix, Tom revisited his dream of becoming a paramedic. Encouraged by his partner, he began researching ways to make it happen. It was during this search that the University of Cumbria recommended the Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science) with learndirect.
“Cumbria University pointed me to learndirect, and my brain went, ‘Well, that must be the way.’ I signed up the next day,” Tom recalls.
The decision to enrol with learndirect was a leap of faith, but it proved to be the right one as he secured a place at the University of Cumbria thanks to his Access to HE Diploma. The flexibility of online learning allowed Tom to balance his studies with his touring schedule.
“My days off became study days, and after a show, if I was lucky, I’d squeeze in an hour or so of studying at the hotel. It’s not easy, but you do what you have to do.”
The course provided Tom with a strong foundation in paramedic science and the confidence to pursue his career goals. “It’s giving me great grounding and background knowledge.”
Building a Future
Tom’s journey with learndirect is just the beginning. He’s completed a FREC3 course and is now preparing for his next steps.
“I feel like the future is mine to build. I’ve built things from the ground up more than once, and I’ll keep going until I get where I want to be.
"Three or four years ago, I was ready to give up. Now, I want nothing more than to live, dream, and love my dreams.”
To anyone considering an online course with learndirect, Tom has simple advice: “Just do it. Don’t overthink it. Don’t question it. Be prepared for ups and downs, but just do it. And there’s always the awesome Community Hub to support you if you need it!”
Tom’s story is proof that no matter where you start or how many times you change direction, it’s never too late to chase your goals.
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