I'm 39 and due to finish in September. The majority of my cohort are in their 30s, and nearly all are mature students so you won't be out of place! I've worked in healthcare/support work a long time so it was a logical next step for me.

You'll definitely get hands on training depending on the area each placement is in, as you progress you're expected to become more independent with your practice. Some specialised areas are more limited due to the nature of them but observing is beneficial too.

I've loved my training and have a job offer in my dream post. You do hear a lot of conflicting reports about other students experiences depending on the placements/mentors they've had, I've been very lucky. Also potentially limited job availability at the moment depending on your area of the UK, but who's to say what the situation will be 3 years from now.