Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Feature
Local NHS and social care organisations were key contributors to the development process and continue to support the ongoing review of the programme structure and curriculum .
Invested in staff development
Heidi Cox , Interim Head AHP for Professional Practice and Development , Essex Partnership University Trust reflects : ‘ Working in partnership with the university we have , along with other local health and social care providers , been involved in the development of this occupational therapy programme from the word go .
‘ As an organisation , we are invested in the development of our staff into the skilled workforce our region needs . The university listened and shared our local vision and goals .
‘ Back in January 2021 we had three occupational therapy support workers begin their journey on the University of Hertfordshire occupational therapy degree apprenticeship . Three years later , here we are with three members of staff who are about to graduate and continue their work in our trust , but now as qualified occupational therapists .’
She adds : ‘ The occupational therapy apprenticeship has combined our support workers ’ vast amount of hands-on experience with classroom and on the job training , resulting in three apprentices prepared for real world experiences , allowing us as an organisation to feed directly into our occupational therapy workforce pipeline .
‘ The apprenticeship pathway has given not only our support workers the opportunity to develop their skills while working and learning , but also our qualified staff the opportunity to develop their learning and leadership skills as mentors whilst supporting the apprentices . As a result we now have a more diverse and local workforce .’
A ‘ valuable and unique ’ route
Laura Owers , Principal Occupational Therapist , Hertfordshire County Council , comments : ‘ The development of an occupational therapy apprenticeship programme within our local area has been hugely beneficial to our service .
‘ We have had the opportunity to work in partnership with the university and other regional health and social care providers from the very beginning , which has meant that there has always been a strong network with shared aims for the development of occupational therapy learners within the region .’
Laura adds : ‘ As of September 2021 , we now have three cohorts of apprentices undertaking their programme with the University of
Hertfordshire , and are planning our next cohort , due to start in September 2024 .
‘ As an organisation , we are very much committed to the development of our staff and to providing an ongoing opportunity to undertake the apprenticeship . The opportunity to apply key learning in real time , ‘ on the job ’, and with dedicated support from a work-based mentor , is such a valuable and unique aspect of the apprenticeship route .
‘ It allows apprentices to deepen their understanding of the core theories and models of practice and to develop key practical skills .
‘ What we have learnt over the past few years is that Hertfordshire ’ s approach allows for regular , open and ongoing communication across the partnership , and this has been vital to the success of the programme and in supporting each individual learner ’ s journey .’
She concludes : ‘ The approach at Hertfordshire has enabled wider opportunities for strengthened partnership working across the region , plus ensuring that the social care occupational therapy role is embedded within the programme and learning .
‘ All providers have made a commitment to offer reciprocal practice placements for apprentices undertaking the programme . The result of this , is that we are all collectively supporting the development of a cohort of practitioners who have a much greater understanding of the services across our region and the occupational therapy role , with greater opportunity for integrated working and improved pathways for the people we work with .’
The apprentice journey
Each apprentice has their own unique reasons why they chose to embark on an occupational therapy apprenticeship , and here two of the first cohort share their experiences .
‘ The apprenticeship allowed me to continue earning while studying , upskilling in an existing occupational therapy assistant role ’ says Rebecca Rogers , an occupational therapy apprentice due to qualify this month .
‘ I would not have been able to complete the degree by a regular route , due to having an existing student loan and financial commitments ,’ she reflects .
‘ Our patients and the service benefited too . The apprenticeship supported building knowledge , additional research and skills , which were shared with the team , for the benefit of patient care . My apprenticeship will also support filling longstanding vacancies for the organisation , as I move into the Band 5 post , within specialist neuro rehab .
February 2024 OTnews 27