Alan is an alumni of BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy and now works as a physiotherapist for Super League team Huddersfield Giants. He began his career as a bricklayer before changing paths by going to university. In this blog, he talks through his life-changing experience at Leeds Beckett.

Course: BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Bricklayer to physio: My journey to becoming a physiotherapist

My name is Alan Silvester, and I’m proud to call myself a qualified physiotherapist, a title that’s the result of years of hard work, a career change, and a lot of resilience. 

I didn’t take the traditional academic route. I began my working life as a bricklayer. But after over a decade in construction, I decided to follow a long-standing passion for helping others. That decision led me to Leeds Beckett University, a place that played a massive part in helping me become the clinician I am today.

From bricklaying to books: My non-traditional route into physiotherapy

I left school with minimal GCSEs, and university wasn’t even on my radar at the time. I went straight into work and, like many others, followed the path that felt most accessible in my case, bricklaying and manual labour. It paid the bills, but I knew deep down it wasn’t my long-term purpose. After a few years, I returned to college and took an Access to Higher Education course where I re-sat my English and Maths qualifications. It was a challenge, but I was determined to open up new opportunities.

From there, I completed a degree in Sports Therapy, which gave me the foundation for everything that followed. I began working in sport, slowly building up my experience by adding new skills to my toolbox, growing my CV, and trying to carve a way into the physiotherapy world. But it wasn’t a smooth journey. For years, my applications to physiotherapy degree programmes were rejected. Some told me I didn’t have the right experience; others said my GCSEs didn’t meet the requirements. It was disheartening, but I kept going.

After over 10 years of persistence, rejections, and refining my path, I finally received an offer from Leeds Beckett University in 2022. It was one of the best moments of my life. I’ll never forget the people, especially within the sporting world, who supported me along the way and helped me believe it was possible.

Overcoming setbacks and owning my strengths

Starting the physiotherapy degree was a huge moment, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t overwhelming at times, juggling a busy family life and learning how to thrive in a completely different environment. Early in the course, some of the literature I was reading seemed difficult, and I started to wonder whether I might have undiagnosed dyslexia.

Eventually, I received a formal diagnosis, and to be honest, I didn’t handle it well at first. I thought I had to change who I was and how I worked to “fit in” with what I believed university expected of me. But I quickly realised that wasn’t sustainable. The turning point was accepting who I am and finding ways to work with my dyslexia rather than against it.

Leeds Beckett were fantastic throughout. The lecturers gave me not just academic support, but also the confidence to be myself and use my strengths. I’m someone who thrives in conversation, collaboration, and being proactive, and I learned how to bring that into my learning. Once I embraced that, everything changed.

Hands-on learning and unforgettable moments at Leeds Beckett

Every module at Leeds Beckett brought something valuable, but it was the practical and hands-on nature of the course that stood out for me. I learn best by doing, and the course offered exactly that: real clinical exposure, problem-solving on placements, and learning through experience. For someone like me, who thrives in applied settings, it was the perfect environment.

Despite being in my 40s and returning to study after a long time out of education, I never once felt out of place. The university fosters a culture of equality and inclusion that genuinely makes a difference. Whether you're a mature student or coming straight from college, the support is there, and you're treated with respect and encouragement from day one.

A standout moment for me came during my final placement in a complex rehabilitation setting. I’d worked closely with a patient throughout their recovery, and at the end of our time together, they gave me a pack of sausages as a thank-you gift. It might sound funny, but that gesture meant the world. It was a tangible reminder of the human side of physiotherapy, the relationships, the trust, and the positive impact we can have on someone’s journey. That small moment summed up everything I love about the profession.

From graduate to game day: Life as a physiotherapist in Super League

After graduating, I was fortunate enough to step into a fantastic role within the elite environment of rugby league. I’m currently working as a physiotherapist at Huddersfield Giants in the Super League, a fast-paced, high-pressure setting where no two days are ever the same.

The environment is demanding and chaotic at times, but I thrive on it. Whether it’s managing acute injuries pitchside, designing rehab plans, or helping players return to peak performance, every task has a clear purpose. And the best part? Knowing that I’m making a genuine difference to people who rely on your support. That’s what makes the hard work worthwhile.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the role itself – it’s what it represents. Over the last 10+ years, I’ve built up experience bit by bit, often through setbacks or sideways steps. I’ve invested in my learning, pushed through knockbacks, and developed not just clinical skills, but real resilience. To now bring all of that into practice, every single day, is incredibly rewarding. I’m not just applying knowledge, I’m drawing on a whole journey of lessons, persistence, and growth.

Final thoughts: Advice to anyone on the fence

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s never to give in. Whether you’re switching careers, facing knockbacks, or navigating a learning difficulty like dyslexia, resilience is key. You’ll face moments of doubt, but if you stay consistent, the progress will come.

Set small, achievable goals and celebrate each step forward. Use every resource available to you, there’s no shame in asking for help. Some of my most significant breakthroughs came from simply speaking up and finding the proper support.

Surround yourself with good people who are willing to mentor and guide you. Do the adventurous work, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s where the real growth happens.

Becoming a physiotherapist has given me a fulfilling career and boosted my self-belief. It’s shown me that with persistence, support, and hard work, you can create your own path regardless of where you start.

Your starting point doesn't define your destination — resilience, belief, and the right support can take you further than you ever imagined.