A spotlight on nursing apprenticeships

As part of the Year of the Nurse and Midwife celebrations and while raising the profile of apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week (3–9 February), we caught up with Adam Smith, who started at the trust as a cadet nurse 19 years ago. Adam has recently completed his nursing apprenticeship top up degree to become a registered nurse - you can read more about Adam’s apprenticeship journey below: What was your apprenticeship and when did you start? I joined the trust as a cadet nurse 19 years ago; I rotated around the hospital in a variety of roles and areas to gain an insight into the daily running of the hospital, whilst completing an NVQ qualification. The roles and areas included portering, phlebotomy, sterile services, pathology and working on our wards. In 2008, I became a healthcare assistant on John Snow and Nicholas Ward, which was an infection control ward at the time. I later went on to join our cardiac ward, where the opportunity came around to undertake an apprenticeship to work towards a foundation degree in health and social care. Following this, I completed the apprenticeship degree top up course to become a registered nurse. at Anglia Ruskin University was a two year course; during this time I was based on Fleming Ward and attended university one day a week. We were also allocated a student day to help with completing learning booklets, essays and exams. There was a high volume of applicants and only 20 places available, I was very grateful to have been given a place, with support from my manager. My top up course to become a fully qualified nurse was a 22 month course and consisted of two placements days per week, full time placements and week blocks at university, as well as placements at the hospital in various different areas including Saunders Ward, the Derwent Centre, the neurological unit at the Rivers Hospital and community nursing; my final placement was on Kingsmoor Ward, where I am based now. Why did you decide to start an apprenticeship? I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare ever since I was a young boy – when I saw the advert in the local newspaper for the cadet scheme I jumped at the chance. This was a great opportunity to begin my career within the NHS, develop my skills and knowledge, gain a qualification and earn at the same time. What did you enjoy most about the apprenticeship and why? Undertaking an apprenticeship allowed me to gain valuable experience and knowledge of the daily running of the hospital and different departments. The rotation around the different wards helped me to realise that my passion was for cardiac care. How do you think an apprenticeship has improved or opened up your career options? My apprenticeship has opened up lots of potential opportunities for me and allowed me to progress my nursing career. The journey is tough but worth the end goal – expect lots of juggling around in your home and work life. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? I imagine myself having gained my Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) course and to have started my master’s degree. Adam Smith.

Tell us more about what’s involved in an apprenticeship The foundation degree course