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Darlington career changer earns first-class audiology degree while working full-time

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Former retail worker Tom Prince has graduated with first-class honours after retraining through a four-year audiology degree apprenticeship while working in local NHS services.

By The Tees · 4 September 2026

Audiologist Tom Prince with his family at his graduation ceremony Image: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation TrustImage source

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A Darlington man who spent 11 years working in retail has completed a first-class audiology degree after retraining without having to step away from full-time work.

Tom Prince enrolled on a BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) degree apprenticeship in 2022. Over the next four years combined his job with university and regular travel to Aston University in Birmingham.

The apprenticeship route meant he could earn while gaining experience, supported by the audiology team at University Hospitals Tees.

Tom graduated with First Class Honours this summer and also received the Audiology School Prize for the best dissertation. His looked at the role of carers supporting people with learning disabilities and hearing loss.

He is now working as a qualified audiologist across One Life Hartlepool, University Hospital of Hartlepool and Peterlee Community Hospital, and is already considering where he might specialise next.

: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. Read Tom’s full story.

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North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Provides a wide range of healthcare services to the communities of Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees, including hospital care, outpatient services, and community health services.

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