Against all odds

From redundancy to lockdown lifestyle changes, our apprentices have shared how they overcame life’s obstacles to follow their dreams.

Last year, 48 apprentices completed their learning programmes at KCHFT and 76 colleagues enrolled on to an apprenticeship, starting their journey, including nursing associates, physiotherapists, dental nurses, occupational therapists, business administrators and chartered managers.

Paul Rothwell and Lauren Shaba have shared their experiences as part of National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February 2023) and to promote apprenticeships as a way of gaining a qualification while earning.

They are part of an army of more than 300 colleagues enrolled on apprenticeships programmes at KCHFT, from entry-level learning to Master’s degree-level.

Paul turns back the clock

Being made redundant from his design job sparked a complete career change for physiotherapy apprentice Paul, 37 from Kings Hill.

“I spent seven years in design and sales when I was made redundant during lockdown. It was challenging at the time but ultimately it set me back on a career path I thought I’d left behind. It got me questioning what I would do if I could go back in time and choose a different degree. I would have chosen physiotherapy. I’d always been into fitness and exercise and I’d even qualified as a personal trainer, but it was always just a hobby.”

When a role came up at KCHFT for a therapy assistant at Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, Paul had the skills to successfully apply.

“I worked there for two years with the ambition of getting enough experience to apply for a physio apprenticeship as soon as it came up, which is exactly what I did. It was tough though, having a unique career background meant I had to be really thorough in outlining my experience and skills. I was incredibly grateful to my manager who supported me through the application and interview stages.”

Paul will qualify in four years as a physiotherapist on completion of the apprenticeship programme.

“When I’m working alongside the physios, I’m really inspired by their knowledge and skills. It feels really exciting to think that after I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I’ll have that experience too.”

Where there’s a will, there’s a way for Lauren

Unable to commit to a full-time university course, Lauren Shaba, 28, from Ashford, wasn’t sure how realistic her dream of becoming a nurse was until she saw the nursing degree apprenticeship opportunity at KCHFT and successfully applied.

Now in her final year of the four-year programme, Lauren encourages others to consider an apprenticeship as a way of achieving their goals.

“My advice to anyone is to ask as many questions as possible. Having the option to work whilst studying allows you to develop the practical skills you need for your chosen profession while completing the qualification, which can only be a positive.”

Always learning

Apprenticeships aren't just for people starting a new career. Hear from some of our colleagues who have taken up apprenticeships to further their learning and development.

Andy takes his learning to new levels

Passionate about supporting young people to be happy and healthy, Andy McKechnie swapped his role in teaching two years ago to join KCHFT’s East Sussex School Health Team as Operations Manager. Now he’s embracing new skills through a two-year Systems Thinking Apprenticeship to broaden his skills even further.

“I’m really interested in understanding how different systems work and the way in which people work together to improve outcomes. This course is really helping to develop my problem-solving skills and I’ve been really supported by my manager and team. It’s been great to be able to bring this new learning straight into practice.”

Hayley is a shining example

Being a positive role model for her children and having more self-confidence are just two reasons why 37-year-old Hayley Marcham, Catering Compliance Manager at Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, is completing her second apprenticeship at the trust.

“It’s been so rewarding to develop new skills and it’s helped me understand what I’m capable of. As a result, I’ve had more confidence to push myself and take on new challenges at work.”

For Hayley, the chance to study for a degree in chartered management also offered an opportunity to achieve something outside of work.

“I really love my job in facilities, but the apprenticeship gives me time to focus on me and my personal development. It also has a really positive impact on my children. They're immensely proud that their mummy works in the NHS and they think it's brilliant that I've gone back to ‘school’.”