Three Stockton apprentices got more than they bargained for when they signed up for a career change pre-covid.
With ambitions to work for the NHS, the trio could not have predicted they would end up learning the bulk of their skills working at the front line of a global pandemic.
Now their efforts have been rewarded with permanent job offers as healthcare assistants at the University Hospital of North Tees.
Despite the challenges of the last 18 months, all remain undeterred. In fact, Emily, who has been offered a job on the respiratory ward, said: “If you didn’t know something before Covid struck, you certainly did after.”
A former nursery nurse, the 24-year-old was looking to take her career in a new direction, when she applied for the NHS apprenticeship delivered alongside Stockton Riverside College. She could have had no idea of what was to come.
She said: “It has been challenging times, but it felt good to be able to do something and play your part.”
Previously working in retail, Rachael, 23, explained: “It has been stressful, it’s not just learning how to do the job but also to do it while wearing all the PPE.”
Looking to start a career in healthcare, she has found her vocation helping care for patients on the stroke ward.
While mum-of-one, Chantelle, 28, who decided an apprenticeship was the right move for her when returning to work after having her son, is now joining the gastroenterology team.
Previously working in childcare, she said: “I was ready to start a new career and when I came across the apprenticeship vacancy I thought I would apply and give it a go.”
When Covid struck, Chantelle said: “It was scary at first but your colleagues are like a little family and everyone helps each other out.”
For all three the greatest reward of the last year has been seeing patients recover.
And Emily added: “As a health care assistant it was nice to be able to comfort people when no one was allowed visitors. We were able to offer comfort to both patients and their relatives. During a difficult time, we were privileged to be a part of their support system.”
Delighted with their success, Jeannine Mills, health and social care assessor and tutor at Stockton Riverside College, said: “It has been a privilege to be a part of three dedicated and determined clinical apprentices’ journey through college and working on the wards. I have seen them grow into competent and confident individuals who will certainly make their mark in the NHS through their sheer determination to succeed despite a pandemic. Their passion for their careers in healthcare has certainly shined in these dark times.”
Alan Sheppard, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust chief people officer, said: “Congratulations to Emily, Chantelle and Rachael. These are exactly the calibre of people we’re looking for to make a real, positive impact to our patient care. Choosing to retrain for a new career is a big decision for anyone but they clearly excelled at their course work gaining distinctions.
“I hope they enjoy the challenges and rewards their new career will offer. Healthcare is fast moving, ever changing and no two days are ever the same. I’m positive their training and life experiences will leave them ready to excel in their new roles. Best of luck to them all.”
Emily, Rachael and Chantelle are Stockton Riverside College’s first senior healthcare support worker apprentices to go through End Point Assessment. All three gained distinctions within the knowledge test, with Rachael achieving an overall distinction throughout the three end point assessment tests.
