A Derry woman has qualified as a midwife after taking an Adult Access Course in Health and Welfare at North West Regional College. She then progressed to a midwifery degree at Queen's University Belfast.

Laura Morrison changed career from 17 years in mortgage services. She took redundancy during the Covid period after facing work pressures. Lacking a GCSE in science prevented direct entry to midwifery studies, so she enrolled in the NWRC course just before the deadline.

The access programme prepared her academically for university. She described the transition to Queen's as smooth due to skills gained at the college. Midwifery training involved early mornings and late finishes, supported by her family.

North West Regional College provides access courses in health and welfare, science, and combined studies. Morrison shared her experience during Colleges Week 2026 to highlight opportunities for adult learners.

Further education colleges in Northern Ireland support lifelong learning amid skills shortages in health sectors. Queen's University offers midwifery training to address regional workforce needs.