National Apprenticeship Week - meet the staff who have given their careers a boost
It's National Apprenticeship Week (7 to 13 February 2022) - and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust has a host of opportunities.
We've sat down with a number of our staff about why they wanted to give their careers a boost.
To find out more about apprenticeship email: apprenticeships@cpft.nhs.uk.
Natalie Larham
Why did you decide to pursue this apprenticeship?
Having previously completed both the Level 2 and 3 NVQs in Business and Administration I was keen t
o continue my self-development by taking up the Level 4. Not only was this for my own self-development, but also so I could implement aspects of the Level 4 into my current role and look to progress within the NHS.
What was the entry requirement for the course?
No formal requirements.
How do you think the apprenticeship has impacted you?
I personally feel that the apprenticeship has given me more confidence both within myself and my current role. I feel able to be more forthcoming with my team and management. I feel I have more confidence as a Line Manager since completing my Level 4. I am currently pursuing roles which are a higher banding within the NHS.
Any tips or advice to those considering an apprenticeship?
1. Ensure you receive the time from your employer to complete the 20per cent off-the-job work you are entitled to, particularly on the higher levels as the work ramps up.
2. Enjoy it!
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Deborah Nikolova - Area Nurse Manager
Why did you decide to pursue this apprenticeship?
At the time of applying, I was considering my career pathway and areas of professional development, recognising I needed something to help fill gaps in my knowledge and give me opportunity for personal growth. When My apprenticeship was advertised, the learning content ticked all the boxes for me with a bonus of gaining hands on experience and exposure whilst completing the apprenticeship element.
What was the entry requirement for the course?
Three years of management experience and a good undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification (or more than five years exceptional management experience and no formal academic qualification)
How do you think the apprenticeship has impacted you?
This apprenticeship has changed the way I think and how I approach things. I have gained knowledge in areas that I had no previous understanding off which has supported me to grow in confidence within my role whilst applying learning.
The apprenticeship has enabled me to explore services and roles within CPFT, gaining a deeper understanding of the strategic impact of decision making, whilst also providing me with opportunity to support and deliver quality service initiatives.
Any tips or advice to those considering an apprenticeship?
Any professional development will require commitment and additional work, be honest with yourself on how this will impact you and any other commitments you may have; consider how you will manage the increased demands. Use those around you, tapping into the wealth of resource available through CPFT.
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Emma Mayhew - mental health nurse
Why did you decide to persue this apprenticeship
I had spent over 30 years trying to pursue my dream role as a nurse.I had completed a Foundation degree with CPFT and wanted to complete my training to become a registered nurse.
What were the entry requirements?
A foundation degree in a healthcare subject, Maths and English at Level 2, and a portfolio of evidence with 2 case studies relating to specific subjects.
How do you think the apprenticeship has impacted you?
It has been amazing - the support, the opportunities, and the ability to achieve my goal. My team were impacted as I wasn't available for 18 months, but they were supportive and recognised my aspirations. For me, I have now been qualified over a year and am about to change roles, initially I chose to stay with my team as they have given me the confidence and experiences to develop further. I completed my preceptorship with them and found that as I increased my confidence, I felt I was not utilising my skills as a Mental Health Nurse to their full potential, so I have applied and been successful in gaining a role in a mental health team.
Any tips or advice to those considering an apprenticeship?
Be aware that although the work is challenging, there is always support and guidance from the university, CPFT and your home team. Give yourself plenty of time to complete assignments, gather as much information as you can and don?t be afraid to ask for help. Don?t be hard on yourself and make unreasonable demands of yourself. The best advice I was given was to aim to reach the pass mark and anything more than that is a bonus. Don?t give up ? no matter what happens.
What does Emma's manager say?
It has been a great achievement for Emma to undertake her apprenticeship and watch her grow into the nurse she is today. She has learnt and shared new information to the team from other services within CPFT. Emma has grown in confident and is now a confident autonomous nurse triaging and taking on her own cases. She shows great attention to detail and works collaboratively with all those involved for the best outcome for the service users even when this is not always straightforward. Growing your own is a great feeling as you watch them
develop in confidence and clinical knowledge and believe in their ability as a nurse to speak up.
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CPFT employs more than 4,000 staff who provide community physical healthcare for older people and those with long-term conditions, mental healthcare for children and adults, children’s health services in Peterborough, learning disability support and social care support.
For more information about apprenticeships at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust contact:
Amy Rothwell
Apprenticeship & Talent Adviser
Learning & Organisational Development
apprenticeships@cpft.nhs.uk
