How I got into the apprenticeship

I started working as a catering assistant at Arrowe Park Hospital. When the chef left two years ago, I had the opportunity to become a chef and I have just completed my level 2 apprenticeship. My mother owns her own restaurant in the Philippines so I knew a lot about cooking.

Career plans and top tips for others

My advice for those interested in being a chef is that no matter how young or old you are, always remember that you can achieve your dreams as long as you set your heart on it.

How I got into the apprenticeship

My career in the NHS began in 2012 where I started as a level 2 apprentice in management accounts.

It never occurred to me that I would be working in a hospital, especially in finance, even though it is a fundamental department in any organisation!

Career plans and top tips for others

For me the apprenticeship had been a great success. I have achieved more than I ever expected!

I would never have imagined that my one-year apprenticeship could be a fundamental step to my career. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me. I want to continue and progress within the costing team at the trust, as I truly love my job and the team.

How I got into the apprenticeship

I worked in retail for eight years before deciding I’d like a change of scenery. I worked in security at Broadmoor Hospital for ten months, doing shifts on the wards.

The best bits and challenges

It’s nice getting together with other apprentices. During group discussions, the general nurse apprentices tell us about their side of things, and we’re able to provide a different perspective about mental health nursing. So, we’re learning from each other.

How I got into the apprenticeship

I joined West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in summer 2013 in a business administration role. I wanted to work while I studied so thought working as an apprentice at the start of my career would be the most beneficial route for me.

Challenges and rewards

The thing I enjoyed most was that the job was challenging. Every day was different but I always felt fulfilled. Most importantly, my colleagues were extremely helpful which made going to work a delight!

How I got into the role

I always knew I wanted to work within a healthcare setting, one which involved treating children. During my A-level studies, I had taken part in volunteer work with children and this prompted my interest. In addition, I find human biology fascinating.

I did some research about possible healthcare careers and came across the role of orthoptist. I discovered that it was a hospital-based role, treating both adults and children with eye movement disorders. This satisfied all the aspects I looked for in a career, combined with my interest in the eyes and brain anatomy.

During my work experience, I shadowed an orthoptist in the eye department at my local hospital. I saw what a difference the orthoptist made to the patients’ quality of life by treating their double vision, improving the vision in a lazy eye and managing squints.

The few days of work experience made me realise how dynamic the role was, as each case was unique – making every day exciting. That’s when I decided to enrol into the orthoptics BSc undergraduate programme. A day after my final exam, I was offered my first job as a qualified orthoptist!

What I do

In a typical day I see patients with simple or complex needs, their ages ranging from a few months old to 90 years old and beyond! These patients are referred to the eye clinic in the hospital outpatient by the optician, health visitor or other specialities within the hospital.

We commonly see children with a lazy eye that we help treat with patching to improve the vision in the lazy eye. We see adults and children with squints that are treated by surgery or botulinum toxin injections by the eye surgeon.

Patients with double vision are frequently referred to orthoptists and it is my job to determine the cause of the double vision and manage the condition with treatment such as prisms to join the double vision together.

I am responsible for assessing the patients before and after these treatments to make sure that the best outcome is achieved. As an orthoptist, I am an autonomous practitioner and my role requires good decision-making skills on the diagnosis and management of patients.

The best bits and challenges

The staff and patients make work a joy, especially the children. It’s great to know you’re making an impact on a child’s future.

My role is a daily challenge and I love that because it makes every day interesting.

Life outside work

I enjoy exercising and take part in classes such as aerobics to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

One autumn, I took part in a 10k blindfold run at the Olympic park. It was an amazing experience; raising money for the Royal Society for Blind Children who do great work for visually impaired children.

Career plans and top tips for others

As an orthoptist, there are many avenues to specialise in such as special educational needs, low vision, stroke and glaucoma areas. In my current role as an orthoptist, I work closely with the neuro-ophthalmologist in the eye department to diagnose and manage patients referred to the eye clinic with neurological conditions that can manifest into eye movement problems.

These include patients with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or patients with brain tumours. Sometimes, we as orthoptists, are the first people to identify these neurological conditions after assessing the patients eye movements.

This is an area I have a great interest and hope to specialise in.

How I got into the role

At 18, I left my supermarket job to seek a new challenge. I joined a care agency where I looked after people in their own homes, which included caring for the elderly and people with learning disabilities and mental ill health. Eventually, I joined the NHS as a support worker, looking after young children with breathing difficulties. Care was provided in their own homes, sometimes with one-to-one support at night.

After seven years of working nights and juggling my personal life, I managed to complete my NVQ Level 3. I wanted another challenge in a patient-focused career, but full time university wasn’t a viable option for me.

I applied to work at Wessex House, a child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) inpatient unit, and loved every minute! I then got a place on the training course to be a nursing associate which had a mix of university study and NHS placements.

What I do

A typical day consists of supporting young patients to get up and attend education in the mornings. This is part of their therapeutic timetable to help them recover without affecting him or her academically.

In the afternoon, I work closely with occupational therapists to support group work on mental health topics such as coping with anxiety and depression. In the evenings, I provide one-to-one support for patients who may ask for or require assistance if they are in a distressed state.

Once I’m in a permanent nursing associate role, I will be in charge of the medication round on the ward, and be able to assess and write risk assessments for patients in my care. I will also be a shift co-ordinator so I can delegate jobs to other support workers and healthcare assistants.

The best bits and challenges

The best bit about my job – and sometimes the upsetting part too – is the one-to-one contact I have with my patients. I support them with day-to-day things like shopping, cooking and even baking.

Sometimes, all the patient wants is a cup of tea and a chat; other times, they may need to talk to me about something that has been causing them a lot of emotional pain.

Our patients can resort to self-harming behaviour which can be very challenging. But the team I work with is amazing and we support each other.

Life outside work

I’m a massive Batman and Harry Potter fan so I love reading or watching anything to do with these two characters. I also like watching Netflix and enjoy spending time with my family and my little boy too.

I created a national trainee nursing associate (TNA) peer and support group on Facebook which a few of us look after between us. This helped with the course as we were able to talk and share issues and get relevant information out to all TNAs across the UK. This is something I am proud of and I hope I can provide the same type of support to future trainees.

Career plans and top tips for others

The university part of the nursing associate training allowed me to take on more responsibilities and will provide me with career progression – something I never thought I’d achieve! I’m the first in my family to go to university and I’m proud that I will be able to show my son you’re never too old to achieve what you want to do.

I have not gone back to school in 14 years so sometimes the course was tough. But it’s like riding a bike; you soon get the hang of it again.

Having work experience before starting the course gave me a good academic and professional understanding and, by the end of the first year, I started seeing things through the eyes of a future nursing associate. I have a better understanding now of the processes of how we treat our patients and the importance of a holistic approach.

When we started the course, we were asked, “What would you like to do once you qualify?” Many said they’d like to be nurses, but I said my plan is to become the director of nursing before I retire!

How I got into apprenticeship

In 2007 I made a drastic career change from a secure, well paid pub/restaurant manager job to follow my dreams of becoming a paramedic. I was successful in getting a post at North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), first as a call handler, then I progressed to be a dispatch officer within the control room. It was both stressful and rewarding but my ultimate goal remained to become a paramedic.

I took my second career leap of faith and applied internally to become a services scheduled care apprentice. I thought it would give me frontline experience and prepare me to take the next step.

Towards the end of my 12 month apprenticeship, I applied to become a student paramedic. Through a rigorous recruitment process, I was awarded a much coveted spot at Sunderland University.

What I do

As an apprentice and a student paramedic, no two days are the same. Every day is varied and poses different challenges. We bear witness to the harsh realities of all sorts of environments and circumstances.

It’s not your average apprenticeship or degree course, but both are extremely rewarding roles.

The best bits and challenges

The best bit by far is the team – you become a family. No matter how bad your day has been, you can always expect the people in the crew room, back at the ambulance station, to lift your spirits. The management team is very supportive too.

You also make friends for life with the people on your course; nothing cements a friendship more than a shared goal.

One challenge I’ve encountered about apprenticeships and university education has been the issue of age. People assume that apprenticeships are only open to school leavers or those under 25, but that’s not the case. In my apprenticeship cohort, the age ranged from 19 to 44. It’s also similar on the degree course.

Life outside work

Going to the gym is a hobby. I’m glad I started going before I went on the road as the job requires a certain level of strength and fitness. Maneuvering patients isn’t an easy task; you have to look after your back and knees. Cardio work and training with weights is a great way to keep them up to the task!

Career plans and top tips for others

As a student paramedic, my focus is on graduating, getting out on the road as a newly-qualified paramedic, and taking it from there.There are various options open to us once we qualify. I’m very interested in the role of emergency care practitioner. I’m not one to settle; I keep pushing and working towards the next goal.

I’m proud of myself most for making the bold decision to leave my secure dispatch officer position. Seeing where I am now, and where I am headed, it’s really paid off. And being recognised for such a bold move as student of the year at the NEAS 2018 awards was another proud moment!

My advice to anyone thinking about a paramedic apprenticeship? Go for it! Make sure you have a good network support to help maintain a healthy work/life balance. I’m a single mum and without a good network of family and friends behind me, I’d find some of the shifts and studying tough. The role is stressful enough at times so having a solid foundation of support is a massive bonus.

How I got into the role

When I was younger, some of my close relatives, who were working in IT, introduced me to computers. Through using computers, for example playing games, I began to develop an interest in them. I proceeded to develop my IT knowledge further through school work and I began building and fixing computers as a hobby.

I wanted to have a job that interested me so I decided that a career in IT was it for me. To begin my IT career, I applied for an informatics apprenticeship with the NHS and was successful. The idea of helping the NHS to function whilst working with computers was also very appealing.

What I do

I investigate and resolve technical issues with hardware and software in four different NHS sites, including two hospitals. The issues can vary from fixing a broken printer to fixing clinical software that is not working.

I also assist in planning and carrying out new hardware and software installations. This includes upgrading all the electrical appliances in clinics and other places.

The best bits and challenges

My favourite part of the job is when I walk into a department or ward where I have recently helped to install devices and seeing how the department is fully operational and that the devices are being used to help people get better.

My apprenticeship has helped my professional development as it has allowed for me to develop a greater understanding of a wide range of topics relating to my job role, through tutor-led learning, whilst also getting on-the-job experience and gaining a few internationally recognised qualifications such as the Microsoft Office Master Qualification.

I am most proud of being offered a full-time job after completing my apprenticeship with my current employer. My employer is looking to develop my team leadership skills and technical knowledge further by sending me on more courses to gain qualifications, such as the Comptia A+.

A major challenge in my role is that there can be multiple causes for an issue and it means taking time to investigate the problem and getting to the root of the problem so we can resolve it. Sometimes it means the device will not be functioning for a while until we find the cause.

Life outside work

I enjoy building computers and doing this has helped me develop a vast understanding of computer hardware.

I also enjoy running with my running partners, which I believe has helped improve my communication and teamwork skills. Running helps me destress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Career plans and top tips for others

I would also advise someone looking to work in IT in the NHS to have an interest in computers and be able to adapt to situations whilst under a lot of pressure.

The three main skills/attributes I believe that are required for this role is adaptability, teamwork and good personal time management.

How I got into the role

I achieved my degree at 25 but I was struggling to find work. My low confidence affected me, especially when I went for interviews.

I saw a leaflet about The Prince’s Trust so I went online to do more research and read many success stories. I got in touch and applied to join the Get into programme. I gained a place in the programme and sought support in applying for jobs, developing my interview skills and building my confidence.

Within the first week of the programme, I attended a workshop and the biggest reward was that I was successful in obtaining a full-time, permanent work in administration in the NHS.

In the remaining few weeks I had work experience and the experience I gained was so valuable to me. The employability training included mock interviews, First Aid, manual handling, information governance, communications and more.

What I do

I work at the reception for the children’s outpatient department where there are many different clinics such as paediatrics, physiotherapy and audiology.

My duties include welcoming service users, ensuring clinicians/doctors are aware that their patients have arrived, preparing prescriptions for collections and filling in outcome forms for doctors and clinicians.

I also book appointments for patients and rooms for doctors and clinicians. My role requires that all paperwork is updated and supplies are ordered.

I am involved in regular meetings with my manger and colleagues to discuss queries and ways to improve our services.

The best bits and challenges

The team at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust are incredible. I am so pleased that there are people who invest in us and our futures. The people I work with really care about my future and I think that’s so hard to come by!

When you’re motivated and have support, you can get to where you want to be.

Life outside work

My background is in visual communication and design, so I enjoy researching and working on my own projects during my free time. Working within the NHS, and talking to and meeting with clinicians and doctors who specialise in mental health, has inspired me to work on further projects which I hope to exhibit in the future.

Career plans and top tips for others

I am excited as I realise that there are many doors opening for me as a result of completing the Get into the NHS programme. My plan is to build a career and continue to work by utilising all the information and knowledge I gained from the programme.

My new goal is to work harder and get further.

How I got into the apprenticeship

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism that affects my social and communication skills with others. I was unemployed for two years and had little success finding work. I feel that having Asperger and my lack of work experience may be the reasons for potential employers not employing me.

When I found out about my apprenticeship at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, I felt a mixed bag of emotions – excitement, thrill and amazement. I finally felt like I was part of a team and am thankful that the trust saw my potential and was willing to give me a chance.

What I do

I am a Talent for Care admin apprentice. My duties tend to vary but my main tasks include updating databases, typing up letters, designing posters for events, sending out reminder emails to colleagues and clients regarding training, booking or arranging meetings. My tasks also include photocopying and printing off worksheets, checking apprenticeship application forms, ensuring that they have been filled correctly and scanned.

The best bits and challenges

Being an apprentice at the trust makes me feel I am in safe hands. Everyone there has been friendly, willing to listen and they also adapt to my needs – nothing is too much for me to ask.

Everyone is supportive of me, including coming up with ideas that can help me in my tasks. One of the ideas was, whenever I was given a task, to write it down straightaway so I will not forget it later and panic.

The trust has been accepting of me and I believe they are keen to learn more about Asperger syndrome so that the staff can understand future employees who are diagnosed with it and able to help them.

Asperger affects my confidence and causes me high levels of anxiety. I am also not comfortable talking to strangers, fearing their response, being misunderstood or, on some occasions, being ignored.

If I feel I am being criticised, I become upset, feel useless and feel fear creeping in which causes me to dread speaking to that person again. However, if someone gives me constructive criticism in a polite manner, I believe I can learn from it and build on it.

Life outside work

I enjoy watching football and occasionally playing it. I am also keen on travelling the country, visiting new grounds and places. I am an avid film lover – I find pleasure in watching and reviewing films. I am also interested in drama and acting myself. Health wise, I do like jogging and running.

Career plans and top tips for others

At the moment I am taking it one step at a time, making notes and learning things as I go along. I would love to stay on with NHS for a few more years as I believe I can learn much more. In the future, I would love to be in a position where I could help people out and organise events.

My tips for others are to ‘never say never’ – as nothing is impossible; you would not know if you are good at anything unless you have tried it and finally, if you make an effort and give it a go, people will appreciate you more.