Joe Pollitt overcomes his and his dad’s health issues and being made redundant twice to done his cap and gown at graduation
A new University of Central Lancashire graduate is the poster boy for dedication and perseverance.
Joe Pollitt overcame being diagnosed with a chronic health condition, taking on a carer’s role after his dad had a stroke and losing his job twice to graduate this week.
The 25-year-old, from Bolton, started his higher educational journey when he signed up for the University’s foundation degree via the Clearing route. He later transferred on to the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship course, and despite failing a year, he continued to complete his studies.
Joe was diagnosed half way through his course and not long after, his father Graham suffered a stroke and was left blind. With just the two of them at home, he had to pick up all the domestic duties while dealing with his own health issue.
Alongside studying for his academic qualification, he was working full-time but was made redundant for very short spells as two different employers went into administration.
"It feels absolutely amazing! I never actually thought I’d ever get to the point of graduating as I’ve been through so much and had to juggle so many things"
— Joe Pollitt, BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship graduate
He said: “It feels absolutely amazing! I never actually thought I’d ever get to the point of graduating as I’ve been through so much and had to juggle so many things. It seemed relentless at times and felt like I’d never get a break but I’m so pleased I stuck with it during the seven years and I now feel on top of the world!”
The former Canon Slade High School and Salford City College pupil unfortunately didn’t achieve the required BTEC grades to initially secure a place at university.
“I was guided on to quantity surveying by a previous employer,” he said. “I was working on-site as a labourer, and I was good with computers but I wasn’t the most academic person. I applied via UCAS, but my grades meant I was rejected. I was obviously disappointed, but I didn’t let that stop me. I called the University of Central Lancashire’s Clearing line and spoke to a lecturer. After chatting about my skills and knowledge they decided to give me a chance and believed in me and I’m so thankful they did.”
He is now working full-time as a consultant quantity surveyor for Identity Consult and is continuing his studies with the aim of achieving the MRICS chartership.
Joe was one of 4,000 students who graduated from the University of Central Lancashire last week.