Apprenticeships continue to play an important role in developing our workforce, offering routes to gain new skills, build confidence and progress into higher‑level qualifications. They’re not only a way to begin a career in the NHS, but a valuable opportunity for colleagues to grow their skills and to advance in their roles. In this blog, we share a range of staff experiences highlighting the many ways apprenticeships can support career development across our organisation.
Name: Aravind
Current job title: Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service Manager and Digital Nurse Specialist
Apprenticeship completed at SaTH: Nursing Associate foundation degree (Level 5 apprenticeship) and Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship (Level 6)
My apprenticeship experience:
"I was fortunate enough to undertake two apprenticeship programmes at the Trust: the Nursing Associate Foundation Degree and the BSc Nursing. Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that the apprenticeship was incredibly enriching and provided me with invaluable skills and knowledge. Unlike traditional schooling, apprentices gain knowledge and skills from real-life experience, which helps them engrave and embed these learnings in their daily practice. The support I received from the team was exceptional, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this path to anyone looking to advance their career, without having to worry about the financial burden it could bring."
Name: Hannah
Current job title: Education Support Unit Manager
Apprenticeship completed at SaTH: Level 4 Business Administration and completed 2 years of Level 6 Chartered Manager degree apprenticeship as part of my current role
My apprenticeship experience:
"Would absolutely recommend; I’m a huge advocate for the benefits studying an apprenticeship qualification brings alongside practical application of the knowledge and skills you develop into your role and workplace. It taught me both theoretical knowledge, concepts and theories but also enabled me to develop higher level skills into my role i.e. understanding of strategic thinking, project management, stronger leadership and management skills."
Name: Tessa
Current job title: Staff Nurse
Apprenticeship completed at SaTH: Nursing Associate foundation degree (Level 5 apprenticeship) and Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship (Level 6)
My apprenticeship experience:
"I've always wanted to be a registered nurse, and the apprenticeship route inspired me that my dreams could be possible as due to being a single parent to leave and become a full-time student was just not viable. This motivated me that my dreams were possible to progress from HCA to NA to RN.
The "I can do this" moment for me has to be actually getting offered the post after interview and seeing all the other staff who also gained a place, I knew then I would make new friends and gain great support through my journey.
The apprenticeship pathway for me was the best support I could have had. Personally, it allowed me to follow my dreams and show my children that anything is possible. Professionally it allowed me to progress through the bands and make my way to a registered nurse with the support of a great team by my side. It allowed me to gain experience and knowledge first as an NA then progress to RN, always with support.
Every bit of support I had along this journey has been amazing. I had a lot going on in my personal life but both the PEFs at work and the university were amazing and helped make plans and support me to get me through it as nobody wanted to see me fail. I can't thank them enough.
My message would be just bite the bullet and do it. Everyone is on your side to help and support you, and everyone wants you to achieve. When you put your mind to something, anything is possible. Trust me you will not regret it!"
Name: Kurran
Current job title: Senior Medical Equipment Technologist
Apprenticeship completed at SaTH: Healthcare Science (Medical Engineering), I completed this with The University of the West of England Bristol. I was awarded a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours.
My apprenticeship experience:
"The apprenticeship has been an amazing experience, and I’ve learned so much since starting. Rotating through Medical Engineering Services at PRH and RSH, as well as Renal, helped me become a well-rounded engineer and build strong connections across the department. Having previously tried the university route, I’m really glad I took the leap into the apprenticeship at SATH. I’ve gained both mechanical and electrical engineering skills and a strong understanding of their medical and clinical applications on patient care, supported by fantastic mentors throughout. No two days are ever the same, and it never feels like work — I get to do what I love with great people, which is incredibly fulfilling. I couldn’t ask for a better career path."
Name: Corinne
Current job title: Deputy Recruitment Manager
Apprenticeship completed at SaTH: Business Administration Levels 2 and 3
My apprenticeship experience:
"My apprenticeship gave me the foundation I needed to grow — it helped me build real, practical skills and boosted my confidence. I was supported every step of the way by the Trust and my manager, and that encouragement helped shape the career I have today. Choosing an apprenticeship was the best decision I made, and it opened the door to opportunities I never imagined when I first started."
Name: Karen
Current job title: Staff Nurse
Apprenticeship completed at SaTH: Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship (Level 6)
My apprenticeship experience:
"My journey began with a simple but powerful motivation: I wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I saw the impact that skilled, compassionate nursing could have, and I knew I wanted to develop the knowledge and responsibility to contribute at that level.
The most transformative moment came during a period when I was trusted to lead patient care independently for the first time. I remember coordinating a busy clinic, using structured communication, and supporting both patients and colleagues. That moment showed me that the skills I’d been developing weren’t just theoretical - they were shaping me into a safe, capable practitioner. It was the point where I realised, I wasn’t just completing an apprenticeship; I was becoming a nurse.
The apprenticeship pathway has supported my development in a holistic way. Professionally, it allowed me to build competence step by step. Each stage added a new layer of responsibility and confidence. Personally, it taught me resilience, self-belief, and the value of reflective practice. Balancing work, study and family life has shaped me into someone who can adapt, persevere, and continue growing even when the journey feels challenging.
I valued the support of colleagues and my family who believed in me when I doubted myself. Practice assessors (PA), practice supervisors (PS) , academic assessors (AA), academic supervisors (AS) and practice education facilitators (PEF) who took the time to guide me, challenge me, and celebrate my progress made a huge difference. Peer support was equally important; sharing experiences with others on the same pathway created a sense of community and encouragement. And finally, the teams I work with, especially out-patients clinic and during my practice placements, gave me opportunities to step up, practice leadership, and feel part of something bigger.
If you are considering the apprenticeship route, know that you don’t need to have all the confidence at the start - it grows as you do. This pathway is designed for people who learn best through real experience, who want to develop gradually, and who are willing to put in the work. There will be moments of doubt, but there will also be moments where you surprise yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people, stay curious, and trust that every step is moving you closer to becoming the nurse you want to be."
Name: Emily
Current job title: Staff Nurse
Apprenticeship completed at SaTH: Nursing Associate apprenticeship (Level 5) and Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship (Level 6)
My apprenticeship experience:
"I knew I wanted to become a nurse since I was 13, but life didn't go quite as smoothly as planned and when I didn't get into university straight out of sixth form, I was a little lost! I started work as a healthcare assistant just before the pandemic hit us and worked on the Covid ward at RSH. During this time, I got to see my nursing colleagues' incredible skill, knowledge, and dedication, which just inspired me on my nursing journey even more, I wanted to be able to do more for my patients and when the opportunity to start a Nursing Associate apprenticeship came up I applied thinking I wouldn't get it. I'm fiercely independent (usually to a fault) so when I was a qualified Nursing Associate, again, I just wanted to be able to do more for my patients, to support them as much as possible through their recovery, and to continue developing my skills to do this too. So again, when the opportunity came up, I applied for the Top-up Degree apprenticeship thinking again that I wouldn't get it, luckily for me the PEF team were amazing and took a chance on me... twice!
I was on a day shift as a Trainee Nursing Associate on my base ward, the emergency alarm went off and me and another TNA were the first to respond and together we stopped a respiratory arrest in the patient, other members of staff had arrived to help but they didn't need to say anything as they could see we were managing it. That's the moment I realised "I can do this", that's not to say I haven't had wobbles along the way, a few times when I've thought "I can't do this" but that experience is one that taught me to trust myself a little more.
Professionally, the apprenticeship style of learning whilst working has been invaluable, nothing can replace real world experiences, it also helps that you learn about local policies and procedures etc as a student before you need to know them as a registrant, it prepares you better. Personally, and I know this is the case for a lot of my student colleagues along the way, my development to becoming a registered NA/RN would not have been possible without the apprenticeship funding and having a wage whilst studying. Being British I know we hate talking about money, but I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to earn whilst progressing.
I have received more support than I could ever put into words. Managers, PEFs, peers, practice supervisors/assessors, lecturers, colleagues, friends, family, even patients and their families.... the list could go on forever....
It's tough, but the biggest hurdle you will face is your own self-doubt, believe that you can do it and you will. An apprenticeship really is a journey; trust the process - you will get there."
