OT Apprentice Review

Clinical role. visiting patients at home, helping them with daily activities. attending meetings, training, writing up patient notes. Occupational therapy assesment and interventions, working with wider team and referring to other services. I work alongside qualified occupational therapist, and follow guidance from them. I am responsible for lone working and escalating any risk.

I have learnt and developed many skills. Having the chance to study for two days, and put into practice what I have learnt in the workplace, is helpful and has allowed my skills to develop. I have learnt different models I can use with patients, and how to overcome barriers that patients face to engagement.

I enjoy my programme, and am grateful to have the opportunity to complete a degree apprenticeship. However, it would be beneficial to work in a team in which I have more chances to develop my skills in my chosen field. I enjoy the uni work, but the workplace aspect less.

The programme provided by UWE is very well structured. However, there have been lots of changes to the programme due to staff leaving. I feel there could be more in interaction with my workplace and the programme provider. I also think it would have been beneficial to have had more information before the programme started

I recieve adequate support from my employer. However, i feel like the workplace is quite detached from the programme. I recieve monthly meetings with a mentor, and am supposed to recieve 6-weekly supervision, but this does not always happen. I feel I could be better supported, and recieve more practical help with the programme.

Good support. Lecturers are always happy to respond to emails and answer any queries. There has been some change to the programme which has caused some confusion, but lecturers are happy to try and help when they can. I am only in my first year so anticipate the support will increase.

It means I have more evidence to base my interventions on. I can use what I have learnt in lectures to inform my practice. This allows me to have more succesful interactions with patients, and make things more focused. I feel more able to do my role in a safe and confident way

There are wider opportunities to network, however we have to seek these out ourselves. There is a lack of opportunity to get involved in social activities and sports team. Everybody feels too busy for these, but it would be good to have the chance to get together outside of work and de-stress.

No

Too much pressure. Not enough pay. Even though I love what I do, I couldn't recommend it to a friend, due to the stress and burnout it causes with little support and little reward. Everyone is struggling within the workplace which makes it an unenjoyable environment to work in.

Really look into available roles, and make sure it is really what you want to do. Try and get shadowing/ work experience opportunities before applying so you can get an experience of it first hand. Talk to different people who work in the NHS for advice, and hear there experience of working there.