Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Reflections from an expert by experience
Experts by experience ( service users ) have also been an integral part to the design , development and delivery of the apprenticeship .
Mick Westley has been involved since the initial programme development groups . ‘ I found the occupational therapy apprentices to be older , more mature and more experienced than what I thought typical university undergraduates would be ,’ he said .
‘ I was especially impressed with their eagerness to learn the patients ’ point of view . Discussions with the apprentices were very much on a twoway basis ; me informing them of how I felt as a patient and any limitations that I might have and them suggesting to me various ways in which I could possibly improve my ongoing rehabilitation . I have since put some of their suggestions into practice with outstanding success .’
Supporting local workforce needs
In conclusion , a new apprenticeship route to qualification is supporting the occupational therapy workforce in the local region .
Studying via an apprenticeship is demanding on the apprentices ’ time and requires active support from employers and university staff . Practice placements are compulsory , but also facilitate the apprentices in learning about other occupational therapy services in their region .
The apprenticeship has also benefitted the development of local services through mentoring experience for qualified staff and apprenticeship involvement in quality improvement projects .
The programme has also led to numerous opportunities for partnership working across a variety of occupational therapy services in the region .
The collaboration between the apprentices , employers and university ( the tripartite ) has been essential to the success of the first cohort of apprentices and will continue to be the key focus for the ongoing development of the programme .
Hibberd J , Campion J and Barry V ( 2023 ) The unique journeys of apprentice learners . OTnews , 31 ( 12 ): 44-47 .
Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education ( 2018 ) Occupational Therapist . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3UgdcDP [ accessed 20 December 2023 ].
Words CLAIRE LANCASTER , Programme Lead for BSc ( Hons ) Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship , University of Hertfordshire , with REBECCA ROGERS , OT apprentice , Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust and SHANNEN MELVILLE-TAYLOR , OT apprentice , Essex County Council
Above : The first cohort of University of Hertfordshire occupational therapy apprentices
February 2024 OTnews 29