64 and Starting Over: How John Adesoye Became a Nurse After Decades in Tech

John Adesoye’s career pivot proves that reinvention isn’t just for people in their 20s and 30s. After spending decades as an electronics technician in Greece (following his upbringing in Nigeria), John made the bold decision in 2013 to start fresh in healthcare as a health care assistant at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. It wasn’t a lateral move or a slight career adjustment—it was a complete reset. But instead of settling into that role, John committed to becoming a registered nurse. He enrolled in a nursing associate course followed by a two-year registered nurse apprenticeship at the University of the West of England, officially completing his credentials in summer 2026 at age 64.

What makes John’s story even more remarkable is that he pursued this education while his son Daniel was simultaneously studying creative music technology at the same institution. They were both reinventing themselves, learning, and grinding through degree programs side by side. John has described the emotional difference between his old career and his new one: fixing broken devices gave him satisfaction, but watching patients recover because of his care provides genuine joy. Since becoming a registered nurse, he’s worked across multiple departments including cardiology, renal care, intensive care, and community nursing—gaining diverse experience that positions him for whatever comes next.

The accessibility of degree apprenticeships made this transformation possible for John. Traditional university routes wouldn’t have worked for him, but the apprenticeship pathway allowed him to study while working, earning while learning. Now that he’s officially a registered nurse, he’s already considering pursuing a master’s degree. His journey challenges everything we assume about age and career change. What’s stopping you from making a move like John did?