Case Study: Jason Burrow

Find out about how studying at Lakes College turned Jason's passion into a profession!

Introduction

When Jason Burrow started learning at Lakes College, he had no idea what he wanted to do – but the support of his tutors opened his eyes to Higher Education opportunities and how they could help him to make a career out of something he enjoyed doing.

Jason said: “I was very lucky to fall into my career; I originally applied for five different sport science degrees due to me not really knowing what career path I wanted to go down.

“I went to an open day at UCLan for Sports Therapy while in my final year at Lakes College and instantly got very interested in what the degree would offer, which led to me choosing to study there.”

Now entering his third season working as head physiotherapist at rugby league club Workington Town, Jason is also a full-time chartered physiotherapist at Proactive Physical Health in Workington, as well as running his own business, Empower Sports Therapy.

So how did Jason get to where he is today?

Jason's journey

Jason studied a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport at Lakes College from 2015 to 2017, progressing to an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in Sports Therapy at UCLan which he completed between 2017 and 2020.

During this time he was able to secure high-level placements which built on the knowledge and skills he had and progressed his career opportunities, including experience with Warrington Wolves RLFC, Preston North End FC Academy, Chorley FC and Chorley Rugby Union.

After graduating from his Bachelor’s degree, Jason worked alongside studying a Masters in Physiotherapy at the University of Cumbria from 2020 to 2022. More placements helped to support his learning as he worked in NHS hospitals in MSK Outpatients, community teams, Neurology and Dementia/Frailty.

Jason credits the support of the teaching staff at Lakes College with helping him to find the right pathway into his chosen career for him, and is now grateful to be doing what he loves as a job.

“I didn’t really know what to do as I was getting close to finishing at college but my tutors were able to point me in the direction of university education and show me some possible different career paths that I could follow,” he added.

“If it wasn’t for this, I probably would of never gone on to study at university and build myself a career in the industry I work in.”

Jason's advice

Jason did not always know what he wanted to do or how he would get there – but choosing to pursue something he was already passionate about and explore careers in that area proved to be the perfect move for him.

He said: “If you have an interest in something, why not try to make a career out of it?

“I’m able to work within two different industries that I am interested in and really enjoy.”