We interviewed Grant Roalfe to find out about his apprenticeship experience. Here is what he had to say.

Tell us about yourself?
I have worked as a healthcare assistant in primary care for around 11 years and before this, I worked as laboratory technician in medical research.

Why did you choose to work for the NHS?
I have a background in science and biology but wanted to move away from laboratory work. Working in the NHS gave me the opportunity to do work which was more people focused, whilst still using some of my existing knowledge and experience.

How would your friends and co-workers describe you?
I think they would describe me as being compassionate, conscientious and sometimes a little impatient.

How did you find out about this opportunity?
I initially found out about the nurse associate apprenticeship through the regular training sessions for HCAs in Lambeth.

Why did you choose this specific apprenticeship?
It enables me to study whilst still working and earning money to support myself, and there are opportunities for additional study afterwards to become a registered nurse. The nurse associate role is also quite broad in its scope, so once qualified it could allow me to work in different areas of nursing in the future.

How is it going?
I have completed my first term including my first placement and I think it is going well so far. It is quite a commitment in terms of the time required to study, and I have had to step up my time management skills accordingly. I am enjoying the course and overall enjoyed my first placement.

Are you learning new things / doing new things in your everyday work?
I am shadowing nurses in my usual workplace and starting to learn some of the skills that our practice nurses use. I have been studying anatomy and physiology, skills for health and personal and professional development in the first term, and can already see how this helping in my everyday work. I also feel that I have grown in confidence after just one placement, so am looking forward to what the next ones bring.

Do you think this qualification will help you to take the next step / develop / support any career aspirations?
I think this qualification is a good first step towards becoming a registered nurse, which is my current aim. However, if I decide not to go on for further study afterwards, it should open up new options to work in other areas, and should be a good qualification in terms of job security for the future.

Do you feel fully supported in your workplace?
I have been well supported in my workplace with supervisors and have been allocated protected time each week to study theory and complete assignments. I still have to dedicate time to study outside work but it feels much more manageable knowing I have some protected time at work.

Is your learning provider giving you the support you need to progress?
I am studying at Kingston University one day per week and they have been incredibly supportive from the start. I always feel that I can approach my tutors for clarification on anything I do not understand, both face to face and via e-mail. There are opportunities to develop language and mathematics skills, in addition to the taught elements of the course, and we have full access to Kingston’s Libraries and online resources.

And finally would you recommend an apprenticeship to others, and if so, why?
I would absolutely recommend an apprenticeship to others, providing you have the time, and you are willing to dedicate some of your free time to study. I do not currently have the resources to study nursing full time at university. By taking an apprenticeship route, I can work towards the same qualification whilst still earning money, and without building up a significant student debt.

We interviewed Annette Farmer to find out about her apprenticeship experience. Here is what she had to say.

Tell us about yourself?
Married with one teenager and one twenty year old son. I enjoy walking, keeping fit and socialising with friends.

Why did you choose to work for the NHS?
The working hours were flexible around my family lifestyle, especially when the boys were younger.

How would your friends and co-workers describe you?
I asked at work and they said: very efficient, always helpful, reliable and professional.

What was your role before you started your learning journey?
I started as a receptionist in a GP surgery and within 6 months I was asked if I would like to train to be a HCA. I was a HCA for 11 years.

Why did you choose to apply to become a trainee nursing associate?
When the apprenticeship options came up, my colleagues encouraged me to apply. I was persuaded because I could still work and be paid, and not have any student debt.

You have worked and studied for two years to become a qualified nursing associate. what has been the most challenging aspect during this time?
Balancing work, study and family life, especially during COVID and the added pressured that put on everyone.

What have been the most rewarding aspects during this time?
Attending placements in different settings and age groups. Throughout this time I gained invaluable skills, experiences and a better understanding of the NHS services. It allowed me to grow as a person and learn where my skills are best suited.

What support did you get during this time?
The nurse facilitator was always on hand to help with any questions and give support. At the university, I found out I was dyslexic and I was given a one-to-one tutor throughout, who offered lots of support and help. Work colleagues at my workplace always gave me time and advice where needed. Everyone was very good at listening and supporting me when I was struggling. Family helped by spreading out the chores which gave me more space to study.

Now you are qualified, what do you hope to achieve?
I would like to have the time now to consolidate all I have learnt, to become a proficient Nurse Associate and be able to offer more help and support to my colleagues and to the patients using my new skills and experiences I have obtained.

What are you future career aspirations?
To offer all my patients the care and compassion they require whilst striving to help them with all they needs. If I was younger I may have gone on to do my full nursing qualification.

And finally, what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow the same path as you?
Go for it – I was a mature, dyslexic student and never thought I would be able to complete a university course. If I can do it, anyone can.

We interviewed Kasha Williams to find out about her apprenticeship experience. Here is what she had to say.

Tell us about yourself?
My name is Kasha. I moved to the UK from Poland nearly two decades ago. I started my journey with the NHS thirteen years ago at the GP surgery in Fulham as a receptionist. A few months into my role, I was recognized as a good candidate for a Health Care Assistant’s position. I trained alongside great colleagues who inspired me to go into nursing. I live in Kent with my husband and two children who are my main drive for the future plans and aspirations.

Why did you choose to work for the NHS?
Being Polish, I appreciate the NHS even more. I think many people forget how amazing the service is and take it for granted. Since being a very young person, I had the urge to help people. I have met some kind, caring and selfless individuals so I thought that this could be my opportunity to give back the good that I received. Little did I know that this would be so rewarding. I had no idea yet of the endless opportunities that the NHS can offer.

How would your friends and co-workers describe you?
I think that my friends would describe me as a very positive person who is always up for a laugh. My work colleges appreciate my optimistic outlook on life too and the fact that I can always find the good even out of the bad situation. They are also grateful for my baking (the good and the not so good cakes that I bring to work every so often). My family would describe me as ambitious and hardworking.

What was your role before you started your learning journey?
I worked as a HCA for just over a decade before I had the opportunity to start university degree. I truly enjoyed my job, however I always wanted to go further. I only had experience in primary care before starting the nursing course.

Why did you choose to apply to become a trainee nursing associate?
I knew that nursing was always on the cards for me but I could not sign up for a full-time education having family and bills to pay. The apprenticeship was a great option for me and the only realistic way of getting a degree. I also really like the idea of a two year programme with a possibility to do more in your own time. The apprenticeship also meant that I do not end up with a huge loan to pay off at the end of my studies as the course was founded by HEE and supported by the employer. The other fantastic thing about the NA qualification is the fact that you study all areas of nursing. It gives you a chance of having an understanding and experience in all fields (adult, paediatric, mental health and learning difficulty nursing). One of the requirements of the course is that you complete your placements at the hospital, in community as well as your place of work. This has given me a deeper knowledge and understanding about working with people at all stages, from birth to end of life. Due to this, my confidence has grown and so have my skills.

You have worked and studied for two years to become a qualified nursing associate. what has been the most challenging aspect during this time?
The most challenging part of the two years was the pressure of having to juggle the academia, placements and work at the same time. The days never seemed long enough to fit everything in. Adding your family and personal life to the mix was often impossible. I learned to organise my time better over the months so it did get a bit easier but the pressure was always there. I was lucky to have a great support in people around me. The two years may seem like a huge commitment (which it is) but the time flies by and before you know it, you are planning your graduation party!

What have been the most rewarding aspects during this time?
One of the most rewarding moments as receiving my RCN PIN. I felt a great sense of achievement. Graduation was another beautiful and unforgettable day. Having your family and friends around and seeing how proud they were was the best feeling.

What support did you get during this time?
One of the most rewarding moments as receiving my RCN PIN. I felt a great sense of achievement. Graduation was another beautiful and unforgettable day. Having your family and friends around and seeing how proud they were was the best feeling.

Now you are qualified, what do you hope to achieve?
I aim to provide even better care to the patients. I understand the anatomy and physiology more so I can use this to apply the knowledge to my skills. As a registered health professional, I am aware of the law and my boundaries. I still plan to learn and gain more skills but I am more confident and competent to work with people at all ages and variety of health conditions.

What are you future career aspirations?
I would love to return to university to complete my RN top up. I feel that this would open even more doors and opportunities for me. For now however, I am committed to my PCN course that I started in September at University of Greenwich. This will enable me to perform additional tasks such as smear taking, child immunisations and more.

And finally, what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow the same path as you?
I would definitely recommend taking up the opportunity and making the most of it. This is a fantastic way of exploring your nursing options without signing up for a specific specialty. Throughout the course you will meet some inspiring people and friends for life.