Tom Bartlett from Abergavenny is studying the mental health nursing degree.

"I left school at 16 with average GCSEs and after completing a three-year bricklaying apprenticeship, worked as a self-employed bricklayer all over south Wales.

"At 22, I realised that I wanted more from life and signed up to an Access to Nursing course at Nash College.

"Mental health nurses were there for me at a difficult time in my life. Experiencing first-hand the difference they made to my life made me want to do the same for others.

"There have been lots of stand-out moments from my training but I think being able to assist people in their recoveries or to manage their circumstances has given me a huge sense of achievement.

"USW has been a great place to train - a very supportive university with caring, personable lecturers who have your best interests at heart.

"It has been an amazing three years – challenging at times, to balance everything – but it’s the most worthwhile thing I have ever done and I am proud to be qualifying soon."