Essex Partnership University NHS Trust (EPUT) is celebrating the work of its apprentices, both past and present, this National Apprenticeship Week.
Last year 57 members of staff completed apprenticeships to progress their careers in roles such as Lead Adult Care Workers, Registered Nurses, Healthcare Assistant Practitioners and Occupational Therapists.
Three of our Occupational Therapists have shared their experiences of recently completing degree apprenticeships.
The degree apprenticeship programme involves work-based learning alongside studying to BSc (Hons) level, and is one of the career development opportunities available to EPUT staff.
Chris Jackson started his apprenticeship after working 18 months as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
He said: “The course has allowed me to learn more about the theory underpinning the work I had been doing. And it has given me a broader and deeper understanding of the role of occupational therapy in a variety of settings.
“The apprenticeship has supported me to develop leadership and quality improvement skills, and build a network of professions within and beyond the Trust.
“It has helped me become more confident in the decisions I make at work, and it has helped me develop my own personal style of working with service users.
“This pathway is something that should be on the radar of any support staff looking to broaden their horizons.”
Rachel Soetan, who recently qualified, said: “Degree apprenticeships require commitment and hard work. Working and learning at the same time, coupled with family commitments, can be challenging.
“When I signed up, I thought ‘It shouldn’t be that hard, it’s simply ‘learning on the job’.
“And while it is, it’s also far more than that. It has required giving up lots of ‘me time’.
“Having said that, everyone has their own way of learning – you just need to find your own learning techniques.
“To anyone thinking of taking on this route for completing their degree, you will not regret it. I am so happy and proud to have done it.”
Sharon Bell said: “It has all been so worth it. I waited for so long for an opportunity to train in occupational therapy, and the apprenticeship route sounded like the perfect way to learn.
“It’s 80 per cent learning on the job and 20 per cent academic study – and the academic side is full on.
“My advice would be to ensure you are able to balance your work, life and study time for three years.
“I have expanded my knowledge, developed as a practitioner, and increased my confidence.
“I have met professionals from a variety of disciplines, worked in different services and networked, all of which will support my ongoing career development.”
To find out more about our apprenticeships and roles at EPUT please click here.