Read through our colleague's own experiences of apprenticeships within health and care in Northamptonshire organisations by clicking on the plus icons below.
For further information on apprenticeships available within NHFT please contact the apprenticeship team at: Apprenticeships@nhft.nhs.uk
Claire Jackson: Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship
We would like to introduce to you Claire Jackson, Specialist School Nursing Support worker, who is completing the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.
How did you get your Apprenticeship?
I attended one of the Leadership Matters Days for Developing your Career. During this day I met lots of other colleagues from different areas within the trust, some of which were on the apprenticeship pathway. This was something that I had previously wanted to do, to be able to gain my nursing degree. One of the students that I was talking to introduce me to the Apprentice Lead who was also present on this day and we got into a discussion from there about the pathways and the way forward for applying. Following on from this day I remained in contact with the Apprenticeship Lead who met with me to discuss the different pathways available on the Apprenticeship scheme, and also met with my line manager at the time to discuss this with her. When I decided on the right fit for me I applied for this position when they became available and was lucky enough to be given a place on the three year fast track pathway to become a Mental Health Nurse.
What is the study model like and what type of things have you been doing in your off-the-job learning?
Being a student nurse has been a massive learning curve but I have enjoyed every minute. The placements that I have had so far have been so welcoming and very keen to get me involved and teach me and to help me develop. The off the job learning has also been so informative. I am studying with the Open University which I was previously familiar with, having already completed a Master’s Degree with them. The learning is structured and informative and has included all aspects of nursing from anatomy, to person centred care and law, policies and guidelines. I have found that not only is it a very formative way to learn but is applied in a way that enables me to apply it into practice whilst on placement.
What has been the hardest part?
The hardest part for me has been changing placements. I have been so lucky with my placements so far and worked with some amazing teams so when it comes to the end of placement and having to leave the team it can be very hard to say goodbye and not be working with these amazing people every day anymore.
What has been the best part?
The best part of the apprenticeship for me has been the ability to really learn the different services that NHFT offer within my chosen specialism. Having previously worked as a HCA I was only really familiar with my team and the teams they work with. Being on this apprenticeship has allowed me to learn so much about the services available, how they are all interconnected, the pathways and multidisciplinary partnerships that are formed and this has really made me love my job, the trust and the people that are within it. I have so much admiration for the Mental Health Services and I can’t wait to be a part of this.
What do you hope to do next?
I get asked a lot what I want to do, or where I want to work when I qualify and this is such a hard question to answer. I used to have a clear idea of where I would want to work when I qualify but I have been enjoying my placements so much that currently I just can’t decide where I would want to go back and work, there are so many wonderful teams to choose from, so for now I am just enjoying these placements and the opportunities they bring with them.
What tips do you have for people who want to do the same Apprenticeship as you?
The Apprenticeship scheme is something I would recommend to anyone wanting to further their career. There are many pathways and lots of options available and it is such a flexible scheme that it can work for anyone. The leadership team within the Apprenticeships are so nice and approachable that my tip would be, if you are thinking about this, get in touch with them, they will be more than happy to discuss this with you and share how it can work for you. They have made this process as stress free as possible and enabled me to start to achieve something amazing, so my advice is; go for it!
Chloe Woodlands: Level 5 Children, Young People and Families Manager Apprenticeship
We would like to introduce to you Chloe Woodlands, Operational Team Lead, Children’s Mental Health Support Team, who has recently completed the Level 5 Children, Young People & Families Manager Apprenticeship.
How did you get your Apprenticeship?
Through the trust, the apprentice team was and have been extremely supportive. The management team I was working under was also very supportive.
What is the study model like and what type of things have you been doing in your off-the-job learning?
The study model was broken down into multiple units, which helped as it felt manageable chunks. I spent a lot of time off the job training researching theories and reflective practise. Reading up on policies and how it influences the work we do.
What has been the hardest part?
Studying through the pandemic has been really difficult but also ended up being positive. The course was put on hold for nearly 6 months due to the pandemic and we had adjusted to virtual working so when we then stated again, we were already used to teams and zoom which helped when we were completing assessments.
What has been the best part?
Gaining confidence and self-belief in what I’m capable of achieving. This may sound silly to some people, but I am someone who has always doubted my ability, so to be able to pass with a Distinction was absolutely amazing and I’m so proud of it.
What do you hope to do next?
Settle into my new role as Team Lead within the Children’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST), without completing the apprenticeship I would never of had the courage to apply. I may look to undertake my masters in leadership in the new year.
What tips do you have for people who want to do the same Apprenticeship as you?
Self-belief! It is not easy, but I have gained so much from the course.
Katherine Woods: Level 5 Operational/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship
We would like to introduce to you Katherine Woods, Practice and Performance Manager at Rainsbrook STC, who is completing the Level 5 Operational/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.
How did you get your Apprenticeship?
I was actually looking to complete Business Admin Level 4 and communicating with a provider in Coventry that I had done an apprenticeship with previously. They suggested that I complete ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) Level 5 also giving me an Apprenticeship in Operational/Departmental Management.
What is the study model like and what type of things have you been doing in your off-the-job learning?
Initially, sessions were once a week, from 1pm – 7:30pm, face to face at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Training. When COVID hit, this went to online sessions. The classroom sessions were part of the off-the-job learning, as was research for the assignments. I also undertook several Leadership Matters Courses, provided by the Trust, in order support some of the weaker areas I had identified in personal developments plans, as a result of assignments I was completing.
What has been the hardest part?
Going to on-line learning was hard when COVID hit. I missed the classroom sessions, and meeting up with fellow students. The End Point Assessment process changed recently, so instead of having the end point assessment criteria to work through as I progressed through assignments and learning, I have had to go back through every assignment and match it with the criteria, and complete extra work to cover any gaps in evidence.
What has been the best part?
The best part has definitely been transferring the skills and knowledge learnt into my workplace. The support from the tutors and assessors at the college has gone above and beyond expectation. The support from my manager, Simeon Hanson, has allowed me to progress in my role to being part of the senior management team, giving me more experience and responsibility.
What do you hope to do next?
I am hoping to enrol on the Level 6 Apprenticeship Degree in Health and Social Care, with a view to progressing to operational management.
What tips do you have for people who want to do the same Apprenticeship as you?
Make sure that you fill in your learning journal each week, and accurately record all the hours you do for off the job learning. Carefully organise the assignments and appendices so when you get to End Point Assessment, everything is to hand.
Zoe Cass: Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship
We would like to introduce to you Zoe Cass, Student Nurse, Spinney Ward, who is completing the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.
How did you get your Apprenticeship?
Before I applied for the Mental Health Nursing Degree Apprenticeship programme, my first hurdle was to complete my Maths and English level 2. This was offered to me through NHFT, and I completed the course while continuing to work. The next step was to attend the seminar to receive all the information regarding the apprenticeship. Once I had submitted my application, I was invited for an interview.
What is the study model like and what type of things have you been doing in your off-the-job learning?
Studying through the Open University is very flexible and organised, with all the work planned out in a weekly planner. There are numerous study days available which I have attended, covering various subjects such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, looked after children and injection theory.
What has been the hardest part?
The most challenging part is that two different modules are open simultaneously, and two assignments are due a few weeks apart. Using the weekly planner and being organised is key!
What has been the best part?
The best part of the nursing apprenticeship is still being part of NHFT and going on placements to gain invaluable experience, knowledge, meet new people, and form new friendships within NHFT.
What do you hope to do next?
I am currently near the end of stage one and hope to achieve high marks in stage 2. When I finish the course, without question, I will continue to work within NHFT.
What tips do you have for people who want to do the same Apprenticeship as you?
Attend the seminars, speak to other students to hear their experiences. Being organised with time and work is a must to ensure you don't fall behind. I have always felt supported by the apprenticeship team, my managers and colleagues. One last thing “Believe in yourself”. You can do it!
Lucy Cash: Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship
We would like to introduce to Lucy Cash, Student Nurse, LPOP KGH, who is completing the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.
How did you get your Apprenticeship?
I got my apprenticeship following a discussion with my manager Richard Tweed who had been encouraging me for some time to develop in my career. He made some phone calls and spoke with the Apprenticeship Team and to start my learning journey I completed the Health and Social Care Level 3 Diploma. I knew that I wanted to study mental health nursing however with a family and a mortgage I needed my income so when I heard about the nurse apprenticeship route I got in touch with Lisa Gammon who advised me to attend a seminar regarding the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship and the Nurse Associate Apprenticeship. At the time the Nurse Associate Apprenticeship was going ahead but I needed to wait for the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship. I patiently waited and Lisa sent me an email with the application pack for the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship and I was a successful candidate to start the program.
What is the study model like and what type of things have you been doing in your off-the-job learning?
As one of the first Apprentice Nurses the study model has been online via the Open University. The course is three stages and I have been studying two models per stage for stage one and stage three and stage two is three modules. I had an unpaid study day to help me with my work however due to the amount of work I would also spend evenings and days off doing the work, particularly when I have assignments due which can be on a monthly basis at times. I now have a paid study day each week which is fantastic and I am so pleased as this will help me stay focused with my work. My off the job learning has included delivering training to staff, attending online tutorials and completing module work. I also spoke at an event in London on behalf of the Trust and the Open University talking to NHS Trusts across the country regarding the role of an Apprentice Nurse and how valuable this is. I have tried to make the most out of each placement and see the whole pathway where possible and whilst on placement with CAMHS Initial Assessment Team I experienced other areas within the pathway such as CAMHS Crisis Team, CAMHS Connect and the Crisis Cafes. I would have experienced other areas but I got pulled from the placement due to COVID-19.
What has been the hardest part?
I have experienced financial pressures as I had a drop in pay which has been difficult. I was one of the first Trust Apprentice Nurses and the model has completely changed now and it continues to develop which is fantastic as the Trust have learnt what works well and also what needed to be improved. Initially when first starting and working as an Apprentice Nurse in my core base was difficult at times because of the transition in my role from support worker to Apprentice Nurse. Some staff did not understand the Apprenticeship model so I needed to explain this to them as to what I could do in my new role. Having a family, studying and working on the front line during the COVID-10 pandemic has been very difficult and stressful at times, it has given me a lot of insight into how to manage stress and how the pandemic has negatively impacted so many people.
What has been the best part?
The best part has been experiencing different settings within the NHS and the private sector as this has allowed me to develop new skills and develop confidence in areas I wasn’t so comfortable in. One placement I was really out of my comfort zone and although I was nervous I was so glad I got to experience the setting because I learned so much from my time there. I really enjoyed my placement working with the Young Persons Dementia Team, the staff really welcomed me and made me feel part of the team and the Manager Jenny Kerti was so supportive. As an Apprentice, when you develop a skill and are competent you then keep practicing those skills within your role so this has enabled me to really develop and prepare me for the role of a qualified nurse and what this entails.
What do you hope to do next?
I am coming towards the end of my Apprenticeship now and I have managed to secure a job within the Liaison Psychiatry for Older Peoples Team for when I qualify so I feel like I am one step closer to reaching my goal. In time I would like to complete my Nurse Prescribing however after 4 years of study I would like a break first!
What tips do you have for people who want to do the same Apprenticeship as you?
Make sure that it is something you really want to do because it is a long course and it can be stressful. You will need to be very proactive and self-motivated and it is so important to promote your own wellbeing. Maintaining a balance between home life work and study is essential because it can be overwhelming trying to stay on top of everything. Try to get the most out of each placement and experience other areas within the pathway of the placement you are on. This will help you learn new skills and have an awareness of the different teams and their roles and responsibilities.
