Apprenticeships enabling the implementation of learning at work .
Regular meetings between apprentices , mentors and academic staff take place to monitor the progress of each individual apprentice against the apprenticeship standard . During these meetings , progress in the apprentices ’ development is monitored and action plans for further development agreed .
The basis for these discussions is not only academic success , but also the apprentices ’ portfolio – the place where each of them captures their individual learning journey .
Within these discussions there is a place to discuss the implementation of learning in the workplace . Experience taught us that this is often that apprentices realise how much they have developed . It is often difficult to see this in the middle of the learning journey . The portfolio has set them up with good continuing professional development – and HCPC audit – practice .
Thoughts from the mentors
Chloe Holman . a mentor , commented on the cohort ’ s journey : ‘ It ’ s been one huge roller-coaster of emotions . It ’ s been tough for the apprentices , but worth all the hard work and effort in the end . It ’ s been a pleasure to be on the journey with them .’
Mentor Sarah Blair adds : ‘ The apprenticeship journey has been exciting , intense , and I think fundamental to the development of the profession . I know for the exceptional therapist I see today the traditional route was not accessible . There must be others like her and we want and need them in the profession .’
Charlotte Sutcliffe , a third mentor says : ‘ This has been a fantastic opportunity , not just for the people who have experienced the apprenticeship as students , but also for colleagues and the workplace .
‘ As a mentor , it has been refreshing to review my practice and listen to up-to-date approaches that are being taught through the university . I have valued the discussions with the apprentice I have been supporting , which have hopefully benefitted us both in ways we would never have otherwise experienced .
‘ It has been wonderful to see the apprentice grow in their knowledge of occupational therapy , as well as develop their practice as a competent and confident health care professional . ‘ The apprentice has been able to share their knowledge with peer work colleagues , which has undoubtedly worked both ways to support them , as well as helped them to develop new understanding and skills .
‘ The workplace has gained valuable assets to its workforce , with up-todate knowledge and enthusiasm for the profession to help advocate occupational therapy in the coming years .’
Reflections from the cohort
Charlotte ’ s apprentice Shelagh responded , saying : ‘ With Charlotte ’ s support I enjoyed the apprenticeship journey . At times was tough , but it taught me the value of occupational therapy in regards to adapting my approach so that I could reach my goal .’
Another member of this cohort , Marge , sums up her overall experience by saying : ‘ I had wanted to become an occupational therapist for a few years before the apprenticeship programme became available , but because of my circumstances I could not leave my job as a therapy assistant and return to university full time .
‘ This new route into the profession has opened up the door to not only myself , but others like me who want to develop and qualify as an occupational therapist .
‘ Looking back to that first day at Sheffield Hallam , I can ’ t believe how much I have learnt in terms of knowledge , skills and experience . I thought I knew about occupational therapy , but I only really knew the tip of the iceberg .
‘ The best things about the apprenticeship were being able to return to my workplace and put what I was learning into practice , the knowledge and experience gained
It ’ s been one huge roller-coaster of emotions . It ’ s been tough for the apprentices , but worth all the hard work and effort in the end . It ’ s been a pleasure to be on the journey with them .”
from others in my cohort , and the close-knit community .
‘ It was hard work , but it was definitely worth it as I start my new journey as a newly-qualified occupational therapist .’
There has been a lot of laughter , tears and extremely hard work along the way . It has been an enormous privilege and pleasure to stand at the birth of this programme and see this first cohort develop , blossom and reach qualification .
No doubt many others will follow in their footsteps . I wish them every bit of success with their careers and will be following their progress .
R
Klompenhouwer P ( 2020 ) An incredible learning journey , OTnews , ( 1 ): 20 . Royal College of Occupational Therapists : London
Words PETRA KLOMPENHOUWER , senior lecturer and apprenticeship course leader , Sheffield Hallam University . Prepared in coproduction with the learners on the first occupational therapy degree apprenticeship programme . www . rcot . co . uk / degreelevelapprenticeship-occupational-therapy
January 2022 OTnews 25