Amy's Podiatry Apprenticeship Story
This National Podiatry Week, we wanted to highlight how an apprenticeship can be the starting point for an exciting NHS career.
Meet Amy, who decided to complete an apprenticeship rather than going to university. Here's her apprenticeship story...
How did you get into your apprenticeship?
Within my last year at sixth form, I was unsure if University was the right choice for me. I wanted to progress in my professional development, and I believed that an apprenticeship would allow me to do this. I have always had a specific interest in science and healthcare so I knew the NHS would align with these interests. After researching apprenticeships within the NHS, I came across Podiatry. I had never heard of this job role and so this struck my curiosity even more. After learning about what the job role entails, the team environment and success stories, I applied through the NHS website. The application process involved interviews with both my Employers and University, and after the selection process I was grateful to accept this opportunity as an Apprentice.
What qualifications and training have you gained/completed?
During the first week of my Apprenticeship back in September, I completed a series of online training programs to increase my awareness of healthcare hazards and emergencies within the workplace, allowing me to feel more confident in face-to-face patient treatment. My workplace supported my attendance in resuscitation and manual handling training days, which were important to build communication, coordination, and high standards of healthcare.
Have you overcome any challenges along the way? If so, are you happy to tell us more about them?
There are many challenges within apprenticeships as would starting any new career pathway and learning opportunity. However, this has allowed me to become more resilient and adaptable when facing new challenges whether this be time management, patient scenarios or struggling with new academic content. The advantage of this apprenticeship is that you are working within an experienced team who are there to help you along the journey.
What do you actually do in your job/apprenticeship? How would you explain it to someone who doesn't know anything about it?
My Podiatry Apprenticeship is divided into on and off the job learning. Off the job learning includes my university and study day within the week. This includes lectures, practical work and further reading around my subjects. The rest of my week is spent transferring the new skills I have gained from university into the workplace alongside the support of my colleagues. This further develops my skill mastery and ensures I feel confident when it is my time to practice independently.
What's the best thing about your job/apprenticeship? What gives you the most satisfaction?
The best part of this apprenticeship is being able to shadow different clinicians within their work environment. Being able to spectate their dedication and skill mastery within their job role inspires me to be the best clinician when I eventually fulfil that role. The most satisfying component is the relief and gratefulness of patients after each appointment as well as the relationships that are built from these short interactions.
What would you say to someone else to encourage them into your chosen career? Do you have any advice for them?
My advice to people is to be open to change. Before my own initiated research of different career pathways, I believed University was the only option for me. There are always opportunities out there, I found the one for me and it is the best decision I have made. I would advise you to consider your interests, values and aspirations in life and if any of these include striving for excellence, problem-solving, career and professional development, then an apprenticeship would be perfect for you.