Apprentice nurse says “follow in my footsteps”

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT), which runs Rotherham Hospital, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week by encouraging people of all ages and at all levels to further their career by taking up an apprenticeship with the trust.

It’s a route supported by therapy assistant apprentice Niamh Tideswell, work works with the Stroke Team on occupational therapy.

Niamh, (19), of Wickersley, said: “The best part of being an apprentice here is that I feel really valued and appreciated. I'm given a proper workload and patients to work with. 

“I’ve learnt so much and really enjoy working with stroke patients, seeing them progress and eventually go home. 

“I also have opportunities to continue to develop my career and will be doing my Level 2 qualification next with the trust and Rotherham College.

“I wanted to try an apprenticeship because I'm a practical person and like to learn on the job. 

“My mum and dad are both nurses too so I was definitely leaning more towards an apprenticeship when I started to consider what I wanted to do after leaving college. 

“It was so nerve-wracking at first because I'd never worked in a clinical area before. 

“It was completely different to college or my part time job at Tesco. 

“But my college tutor was really supportive, my parents encouraged me and the Stroke Team are really tight knit and helped me feel at ease. 

“To anyone else thinking of doing an apprenticeship I'd say - give it a go. It might be that you don't want to go to university, but that doesn't mean that you can't be the very best you can be and do really well in your career.”

Helen Thomas, head of learning for the trust, said: “Our apprentices really are an asset to the Trust. 

“Apprenticeships are not just ideal for young people looking for an alternative to attending college or university. 

“They can be a great opportunity for people of any age looking for their next step on the career ladder.”