Apprentice OT Review

I am an apprentice OT/Assistant practitioner with a team of community occupational Therapists within a social care setting. We receive referrals for people struggling with daily activities in their home. I manage my own case load, book appointments, conduct telephone assessments or face to face assessments to see what people are struggling with and then provide equipment/ adaptations/referrer to other services to promote independence and enable people

I have developed academic writing skills and learned new knowledge around the theory and practice of Occupational therapy which has helped me to build on existing knowledge and skills and developed new ones which I can put into practice. I have increased my confidence and this has been reflected in my working practice.

I enjoy the fact that I can still work in my normal role with my team, but then have blocks of time when I am in university to study and also placement time so I am learning all the time. The placements allow me to gain experience and knowledge of working in different areas to gain a comprehensive knowledge of Occupational Therapy

In my employment side it is very organised but the university has had organisational difficulties due to staff issues and a global pandemic. The programme is well structures and planned between time in work and time at university and time on placement although the first yeah has been a lot of work crammed into a 6 month period.

I am a very independent student so have not required a huge amount of support but I know it is their if I need it. I have a work based mentor, my service manager is supportive and the Apprentice manager and learning and development all all available for support and would help with any issues I have.

It is early in my apprenticeship , I only started in January. Support has been affected by staff shortage in the training provider and all communication is virtual but I'm sure support would be their if needed on big issues. So far they have managed to meet all my support requirements.

It helps to give me an overall picture of the profession rather than just the part I work in. It provides information to back up and consolidate what I do day to day. It provides the knowledge and theory and then I can but it into practice. I feel I am learning more and gaining a lot of experience and transferrable skills.

Not within my work role but with working full time and completing a degree apprenticeship/ family life/ a national lockdown there as not really been the time or opportunity to access any. I am aware what is in my community that I am able to access but these are unrelated to work.

Yes

I have been employed by the NHS for a long time. I have found them to be a good employer and have been flexible and adaptable throughout my employment and life/circumstance changes. This is the 2nd Apprenticeship they have allowed me to do and I am grateful for this especially as I am a mature learner, it has not affected their view on my career advancement

The application and interview process may seem daunting but everyone is helpful and just wants you to do well. The NHS seems committed to allowing staff to engage with career progression as it benefits you and them. Throughout two apprenticeships I have had opportunities which I would not normally experience and it has made me grow in confidence and professional practice. It is hard work and there will be times when it seems too difficult but it is worth it in the end. Go for it and stick at it!!