National Apprenticeship Week - HPFT has a variety of roles for those wishing to work for an outstanding NHS Trust
05 Feb 24
This week is National Apprenticeship Week and HPFT has lots of opportunities for people who wish to work as an apprentice at HPFT.
There are a variety of clinical and non-clinical roles available including:
- Student Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Business Admin
- Customer Service
- Software Development
- Dietician
- Pharmacists
There are currently 135 apprentices who are working across the Trust and are receiving training, development and learning opportunities in their respective fields which will help to further their career. Once they have completed their apprenticeship, apprentices are then offered a full time position within the Trust. For some healthcare apprenticeships, there’s also the chance to become a qualified professional.
Belinda Clayton is an Advanced Assistant Therapy Practitioner (3rd year apprentice) working with older adults on a Mental Health Assessment and Treatment unit (Seward Lodge).
Belinda attends Hertfordshire University one day a week whilst carrying out work-based learning as an assistant therapy practitioner (ATP), alongside qualified Occupational Therapists (OTs). She says that attending university one day a week enables her to apply her learning to the workplace in a relevant and timely way. With supervision and guidance, her role includes carrying out assessments (include washing and dressing or preparing a hot drink and snack.), screening (gathering information from families and carers when there is a new admission); interventions and outcomes which involves providing crucial information which helps inform the multi-disciplinary team of the level of someone’s functioning, and whether they are ready for discharge and where a suitable placement may be.
Belinda says: “I feel incredibly fortunate that I love my role. I have enjoyed being on the apprenticeship, despite it being hard work – seeing theory put into practice is exciting! I especially love spending time with service users and knowing that I am playing a part in their journey of assessment, treatment, and safe discharge. Hearing regular positive feedback from service users and their families is always rewarding and makes me feel valued in my role.”
Belinda has enjoyed four placements so far and is now looking forward to her final ten week placement. Placements are picked to ensure a rounded experience in a variety of settings.
Belinda continues: “HPFT have fully supported me to advance my career at a pace which has felt just right for me. I am regularly offered opportunities to expand my learning, beyond what is mandatory.
“I was unaware of HPFT prior to starting my career as a support worker in 2018, but once in my role, HPFT quickly became synonymous with feeling nurtured and encouraged every step of the way. I wholeheartedly relate to HPFT’s values; these also directly relate to how I feel treated as both an employee and as an apprentice.
“If you want to make a difference to peoples’ lives in a real and practical way, this is certainly a route to consider. There is never a dull day in the life of an OT apprentice; I love how our role is so varied.
“It is a big commitment and one I would advise people only take on if they have the time required to study alongside other life-commitments. But if they do, then this is an ideal opportunity to become involved in a new and exciting career which can literally change lives. “
Barbara Delguadio, Education Manager and Apprenticeship Lead at HPFT said:
“HPFT is an outstanding Trust and an excellent place to begin your NHS career as an apprentice. There are lots of different opportunities available and it is a good opportunity for people to progress their careers in both clinical and non-clinical roles. Whatever people wish to do we will always do our best to find the appropriate training, development and learning to support their ambitions.”
For further details about our Apprenticeships please visit: Apprenticeships (hpft.nhs.uk)