Apprenticeship case studies

Meet Jacqueline, Ward Sister 

Jacqueline started in the NHS in 2016 as a healthcare assistant. She then became a trainee nursing associate in 2017 and carried on to become a registered nursing associate in 2019.

Jacqueline continued along her career pathway and became a registered nurse in 2021 before finally becoming a ward sister in 2023. 

Jacqueline tells us more about her apprenticeship. 

"I've been able to progress doing a job that I love with the full support of the Trust. 

Never in my life did I think that I'd go to university once, never mind twice!

Doing an apprenticeship has allowed me to study and be financially stable allowing me to support my family. 

My ambitions going forward are to continue to be in a patient facing clinical role. 

The advice that I would give to people at the start of their careers is to make sure that you look after yourself so that you can look after your patients. The role is challenging but rewarding and no two days are the same"

Meet Katie, Occupational Therapist Assistant Practitioner 

Katie is completing an Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship prepares people for a career as a qualified Occupational Therapist. It utilises and builds on existing knowledge within Occupational Therapy. The apprenticeship includes a combination of work-based learning modules and specialist education. Once completed graduates can register with the Health and Care Professionals Council and apply to become members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Katie tells us more about her apprenticeship. 

"I am currently working as an Occupational Therapist Assistant Practitioner within the Acute Medical Therapy Team. I provide timely assessments, interventions and plan discharges with our patients using the appropriate pathway. 

I have a passion to complete the apprenticeship as my goal is to qualify as an Occupational Therapist to progress my career. I chose the apprenticeship route as it fits around my family and I can continue to work whilst I complete my training. 

I like that I can complete placements and have exposure to other specialties within therapy services. 

In the future I want to complete my apprenticeship to qualify as an Occupational Therapist and progress my career to become highly skilled within my area of work, be an advocate for my patients and promote the importance of patient centred care and the importance of therapy interventions."

Meet Mike, Nursing Associate

Mike has recently completed his apprenticeship to become a nursing associate. Nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. It is also a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.

Mike tells us more about his apprenticeship. 

"I recently completed my apprenticeship to become a nursing associate, which I really enjoyed. Learning again as a mature student motivated me to succeed in my studies and helped me return to education after raising a family. It gave me a solid work ethic and a willingness to gain personal growth and achievement. I have just begun the next step of my career development by starting my registered nurse apprenticeship. 

The advice I would like to recommend is to go for it. You are never too old. If you have ambitions, this often requires learning new skills, taking challenges, stepping outside your comfort zone, and bringing great satisfaction and fulfilment. You will feel proud of yourself for setting goals and working hard to achieve them. These experiences can help you develop as a person and improve your confidence in doing something you will enjoy. 

One of the most significant benefits of completing a nursing associate apprenticeship is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. This experience can be invaluable when it comes to developing your nursing skills and knowledge and helping you understand the practical aspects of healthcare."

Meet Virginia, Healthcare Assistant

Virginia is completing a Trainee Nursing Associate apprenticeship. Nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. It is also a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.

Virginia tells us more about her apprenticeship. 

"I am currently working as a healthcare assistant doing personal care , recording of patients care etc.

The reason I want to do the trainee nursing associate apprenticeship is because by being a healthcare assistant, I am limited of what I can and can’t do. I want to gain more skills and knowledge that will help me develop and will allow me to become more advanced in fulfilling patients care.

I have looked into becoming a trainee nursing associate which would make me more competent in caring for patients without having to be restricted. This will also help the nurses to deal with more complex situations whilst I can get on with patients care and monitoring. 

I like the fact that this trainee nursing associate program has come out. I am hoping to become a qualified trainee nursing associate in the future doing what I love doing."