Studying and placements have provided me with a wide range of experiences and given me the ability to build on local connections . I will be fulfilling a vacant occupational therapy position in my current workplace , which I ’ m excited to begin . I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship route to those considering it .”
Studying and placements have provided me with a wide range of experiences and given me the ability to build on local connections . I will be fulfilling a vacant occupational therapy position in my current workplace , which I ’ m excited to begin . I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship route to those considering it .”
‘ I made time for both academic work and personal events to create a balance . It definitely was a struggle and took me a while to find a balance . Initially , I was burning myself out , and realised how important it was to take breaks .
‘ I would recommend the apprenticeship route to everyone . It allowed me to pursue my ambitions in a supported and structured way .’
Shannen Melville-Taylor , an occupational therapy apprentice who will also qualify this month says : ‘ I first studied occupational therapy as a full-time student for a year , before unfortunately leaving due to an unexpected illness .
‘ As I recovered , I reconsidered my options and chose to work within health and social care settings . While working as a community support worker in adult social care , where I gained lots of valuable experience , the opportunity came up to apply for the occupational therapy apprenticeship .
‘ This was very exciting , as it was a new route to complete the occupational therapy degree , which wasn ’ t on offer when I first studied .’
Shannen adds : ‘ Initially , I was quite anxious and concerned how it would work , for example work and study . However , I was aware this was a great opportunity to progress in my role whilst earning and being supported .
‘ As a more practical learner , the apprenticeship route has allowed me to apply learning to my workplace and in turn assisted with building my confidence , skills , and knowledge of the occupational therapy role .
‘ Although there have been times when it has been challenging – as naturally balancing work and study is difficult – I have continued to be motivated with support from my workplace mentor , university and social care colleagues .
‘ Studying and placements have provided me with a wide range of experiences and given me the ability to build on local connections . I will be fulfilling a vacant occupational therapy position in my current workplace , which I ’ m excited to begin . I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship route to those considering it .’
A collaborative approach
The teaching team at the University of Hertfordshire has worked in collaboration with the apprentices and employers to ensure a route to qualification that integrates learning from practice and meets the needs of local services .
Sarah Lewis , senior lecturer at the university , explains : ‘ The apprenticeship route has offered those who may otherwise be unable to embark on a more traditional degree route to effectively balance their learning , work and personal life to become a qualified occupational therapist .
‘ The motivation and commitment from our learners to achieve this has been incredible and continues to inspire me . It has reflected a true passion for the profession and a maturity and eagerness for personal and professional development .
‘ The collaborative approach to the development of the course and evolving curriculum has been central to the uniqueness and success of the apprenticeship at Hertfordshire . While following the apprentice standards , each module has been meticulously designed around the dynamic needs of society across the life span .
‘ Learning has optimised opportunities to question , explore and develop professional autonomy within a plethora of circumstances . These have optimised on personal strengths and life experience that has been so evident within our apprentices .
‘ The variety of assessments used to demonstrate learning outcomes have been designed to utilise and develop these professional skills , knowledge and understanding .
‘ Alongside my colleagues I have strived to reflect on and use my clinical experience and understanding within my teaching approach , with a focus on ensuring that occupational therapy concepts and theory is demystified .
‘ This has ensured that teaching has been relevant , accessible , engaging and person centred , all fundamental to the profession . The outcome has been the development of confident , ambitious and reflective practitioners that will be an asset to their employer .’
28 OTnews February 2024