Real-life Stories

Chantelle Jordan and Sophie Williams- Completed L2 Business Admin and are now progressing on to L3 Business Admin. Chantelle and Sophie are both working within Maternity services as administrators. Chantelle said that #ApprenticeshipsWork for her as they are a great way of learning new skills to support her in her role. Sophie said that #ApprenticeshipsWork for her as they have allowed her to gain more knowledge whilst working within an administration environment.

Background: I went to St Thomas More School, I left there in 2016 and was searching around for apprenticeships that I thought would be beneficial and interesting for me and I found this one.  My aspirations were initially to be a social worker, however going through college and university wasn’t the road that I wanted to take, so I looked for something different.

What was their journey?  What programme did they complete, did they encounter any difficulties, and how did they find the programme:
I signed up for the Business Administration Level 2 apprenticeship working with the OD team and completed my apprenticeship in February 2018. I am now moving onto do my Level 3 in Business Administration.

When I first started my apprenticeship in February 2017 I encountered many challenges which were expected, as I had never been into a workplace environment before. I had very little confidence in my communication skills. Now I have just finished my first year and the difference from when I started to now is hard to believe how I have grown in both confidence and ability in such a short time.

During my apprenticeship I have been trained to use a variety of internal systems, but to expand my knowledge, I have been signed onto an external training programme, this will benefit me now but also benefit me in the future.

There are a lot of opportunities when you get onto an apprenticeship; I have had a lot of support from my colleagues, managers and my assessor during my programme which has helped me massively to complete my level 2 and has made me want to stay on and complete my level 3 as well.

What are their aspirations for the future?

My aspirations for the future are to continue to develop my knowledge and experience and to move up in any organisation that I move onto. I feel that there is always things that can be improved or developed that will help me to be where you want to be in the future.

I feel that an apprenticeship is the best way for me to gain qualifications and the experience that I need to build my career.

Amber began her career here as a Level 2 Business Admin apprentice working within theatres on the reception desk.  During her apprenticeship she quickly realised that she enjoyed the environment and wanted to gain a career working in theatres- she was successful in gaining a permanent role here as a support worker, and is now hoping to go on to train to become and Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).

Amber said that #apprenticeshipswork for her as it was a great way of getting into the NHS, gaining a qualification and coming out with a permanent role in an area that she wants to pursue a career in.

Jack began his career here at the George Eliot as a Level 2 Health and Social Care Apprentice.  Following completion he gained a permanent role as a healthcare assistant.  He was then supported by the Trust to go to University and complete his Adult Nursing Degree.  He has since worked in a number of areas and specialisms including gastro, A&E, support of the winter pressures and also supporting the opening of a new ward- which gave him the experience of running his own ward which helped him to secure a promotion to the role of charge nurse.

Jack said that #apprenticeshipswork for him as he was not particularly academic at school, so it gave him the opportunity to learn by being hands on and gaining relevant experience within the workplace to set him off on his career.

Lewis is currently working toward a L4 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT & Telecoms Professionals. Lewis’ apprenticeship has lasted for 3 years- he completed a level 3 qualification first and then progressed to level 4. Lewis is enjoying working within an IT role and is hoping to gain permanent employment here at the George Eliot, once he has completed his course to continue his career. Lewis said that #apprenticeshipswork for him as uni didn’t appeal to him.  When he saw his friends on apprenticeships were earning money and buying themselves cars he decided that was definitely the right path for him.

Brief background- what were they doing before they came to us, what were their aspirations? When I left school I went onto do a Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma course in Floristry at NWHC after that I did an eight week work experience placement here at GEH with Libby Holland in the Service Improvement Department. I applied for an Apprenticeship job while I was doing my work experience placement. I was successful in my interview and went on to do my Apprenticeship with the Service Improvement Department.

What was their journey?  What programme did they complete, did they encounter any difficulties, how did they find the programme?

I completed my Business and Admin Level 2 and went onto to do my Business and Admin Level 3 Diploma in my second year as an Apprentice. The courses were good, easy to manage, you get lots of support and it was beneficial to my job role.

Where are they now? What qualifications have they gained, are they now in permanent employment? Promotion opportunities etc.

Once I completed my Apprenticeship I was offered a full time job in the Service Improvement Department. I have been here almost five years now. My job role is diverse and our team is very supportive.  

What are their aspirations for the future? 

As a department we have now moved over to IT Projects so it will be exciting to see what opportunities come up.  

At the George Eliot Hospital we currently have 7 apprentice assistant practitioners working within our teams.  3 are working across Occupational Therapy and Physio, 1 is in tissue viability, 2 in AMU and 1 in respiratory.  They are our first cohort of this type and we are very proud to be supporting them

 Assistant Practitioners work at a level above that of Healthcare Support Workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health (e.g. anatomy and physiology).  For practitioner who wish to progress on to become registered practitioners, the apprenticeship can provide credits into some higher education programmes aligned to professional registration.

Katherine Flanagan, Tracey Birch and Natalie Mills all work within our therapies department and are enjoying the skills and confidence they have gained so far from their apprenticeship.

Katherine said that #Apprenticeshipswork for her as she is furthering her knowledge and skills and she has been able to take on more responsibilities

When did you start your apprenticeship?

May 2017

How did you find out about the apprenticeship?

I was on the princes trust traineeship program and Charlotte advised me there was an apprenticeship going where I was doing my work experience so I went for it

Why did you decide on an apprenticeship?

I still lacked the work experience to get a proper job and I felt it would get me the experience and skills I needed

Where do you think it will benefit your future?

I think it will benefit me when looking for jobs within and outside of the NHS

What have you gained from it all?

I have gain skills and experience within the workplace also getting functional skills and a business admin qualification

Andrew was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome ten years ago and is now working as an apprentice in the learning and development department at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust.

How I got into the scheme/role

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.

What is your diagnosed condition?

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Moderate – Asperger’s Syndrome & Severe- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

How does this manifest in your life?

(Aspergers) This manifests in my life by making my brain think differently to other people, seeing things from a different perspective. I struggle understanding other people’s actions, responses, speech, values and personalities. This extends to subjects of learning where I am adept at learning linear subjects and tasks whereas I struggle a lot with divergent and variable tasks and subjects of learning.

(ADHD) My brain works far faster than the average person. This has advantages and disadvantages. People see me as smart because I have a fast learning speed due to being able to think through things quickly, but my emotional responses to my environment including anxiety develop very quickly and can easily get out of control. My brain is constantly in overdrive and will be for every day of my life.

How did you feel when you got your apprenticeship?

When I got my apprenticeship I firstly felt confused as to why I had been offered an apprenticeship over anyone else, however once I had time to process the information I was overjoyed. I had finally felt like I had succeeded and I had gotten myself an opportunity, a platform to build a future. I’d felt a pride I hadn’t felt before and felt like it was finally my time to shine.

How has the Trust helped you in regards to your disability?

The Trust has helped me with my disability in a lot of ways. I had already developed a lot of coping techniques for my day to day life however most didn’t fully translate into the work environment. The members of my team around me asked how I wanted their assistance and provided input as to how they believed they could help. As a person with anxiety with speaking I have been granted the right not to answer the phone, alongside this I have been given responsibilities that play to the advantages I have as a person. Everyone I have met has been respectful and kind with those who don’t understand my disabilities asking about me and how they can assist with other disabled people they come across.

“Since I started working in Estates over 15 months ago I have gained invaluable skills which I can now transfer across to my career as well as improving my day to day skills.

These include Administrative skills such as data entry and minuting meetings, as well as customer service skills such as telephone etiquette and responding to email queries – I now feel a lot more confident and competent in the skills I’ve learnt which ultimately puts me in a better position when applying for jobs. Having a supportive manager and a friendly team has certainly helped me to power through the apprenticeship even at times when its felt a bit tough – CWPT also offer training opportunities which helps you to expand your horizons and realise the broad range of professions there are out there”

When did you start your apprenticeship?

June 2016 initially for 12 months – then extended for a further 15 months.

How did you find about the apprenticeship?

I think I saw a few adverts on social media, but overall I found the vacancy listed on the apprenticeships website.

Why did you decide on an apprenticeship?

Because I was looking for a career that is viable and after having no money at all, I welcomed the extra money I was getting whilst also learning valuable skills.

Where do you think it’ll benefit your future?

As the business administration qualification is quite a good thing to have, think it helps to open more doors for me in the future, for when I apply for jobs I already have the office skills I’ve gained from the apprenticeship as well as the qualification.

What have you gained from it all?

Office skills, how to operate in the world of work, core values etc.

What bit of advice would you give to anyone looking to do an apprenticeship?

Take the apprenticeship seriously as in the long run it will reward you with knowledge and skills needed for the workplace. Think of it like an investment of time, to gain skills and learn – you’ll be one step ahead of other people.

How long have you worked for the NHS?

Since September 2017

How did you get involved with the trust?

I decided to apply after leaving my last post at a supermarket

Why did you decide on an apprenticeship?

As a disabled person, I find it hard to secure interviews and therefore jobs. I chose an apprenticeship so I could expand my knowledge and open up more potential options. I specifically chose an NHS apprenticeship because I felt welcomed, and the team is very diverse.

Where do you think it’ll benefit your future?

I hope to secure a permanent position at the end of my apprenticeship, and carry on working here for many years to come. I have already learnt a lot of new skills, all of which will benefit me in this role and any future endeavours.