Spotlight on Talent – Richard Evans

Studied: Access to Business and Management and GCSE Maths & English

Progression: University of Law undergraduate

‘A game changer’ is how Richard Evans describes his position as a law undergraduate and his future ambition to work as a barrister or a solicitor.  In 2018, his 20-plus year-career in retail and supply chain management came to an end through redundancy, with new opportunities appearing on the horizon via his Access course at Walsall College.

Commenting on his change of direction, Richard said: “Law is a completely different industry.  It’s work I’ve never done before, but since returning to education, I’ve discovered just how much support is out there to progress and change careers.

“While I have been a bit nervous about venturing away from the jobs I’ve always done, I believe that if I just focus on the things I need to and take support, it will all fall into place for me.”

Adjusting to student life, essay-writing and achieving GCSE English and maths qualifications alongside his Access Diploma are just some of Richard’s achievements so far.

Through these, he has become something of an example to other students struggling with motivation, particularly during their GCSE resits.  His college tutors invited him to speak to others about the importance of these qualifications in terms of university studies and future job prospects.

“GCSEs can seem like a waste of time to some people, so it’s important they understand how highly employers rate these qualifications,” said Richard.  “I’ve spoken in front of classes about this as a way of encouraging students to broaden their horizons and push themselves.”

Richard has also built on his initial ambition of completing a Level 4 Access qualification to pursuing a full honours Law with Business degree and recently completed a Certificate of Professional Development in Safeguarding, again with Walsall College.

“I hadn’t intended on university at all, let alone in Law” explained Richard.  “I thought the Access Diploma would be more than enough as a way for me to add something new to my CV after being made redundant.  But I enjoyed the law module within my course and The University Law offered a course with both Law and Business combined.   My tutors also encouraged me to keep going as a way of realising my potential.”

“Now I hope that by achieving my degree and then training as a barrister or solicitor, I can show others what’s possible when you put your mind to it.”