Occupational Therapy Apprentice Review

I work within an inpatient physical rehab setting, working with patients to help get them as independent as possible to go home looking at functional activities, the home environment, equipment and the provision of care if required. It also involves working within an MDT team and working closely with family.

I have learnt lots of new skills such as how to harness meaningful occupations, how to interact with patients enabling them to be part of their recovery journey. I have learnt lots of theory through university as well as skills in how to develop activities to suit the patients needs.

I have had lots of experience so far on placement which range from 9-12 weeks for each placement within different settings. I have found this very valuable in being able to apply theory to practice. The programme has been great, learning as I work. I have been able to take time to learn and work alongside other students from other care areas.

I do university 2 days a week from home with occasional face to face sessions which are organised to be close to our area. We also have a profile to fill with evidence over the 4 years so we can upload evidence from university work, placement and from our everyday jobs. It's very structured.

My employer is very supportive as an organisation but also within my immediate team. I am always able to see my mentor when needed, my managers are always very accommodating and the organisation run 4 monthly reviews with me to make sure I am on track and check I am ok. They also run an apprenticeship awards ceremony each year to celebrate apprentices.

I have a meeting every semester with my tutor and my mentor to go through all aspects of the course including how I am getting on within my normal working role. They are very supportive and always available if needed. You don't feel like you can't go to them if you need to.

The training has helped immensely. I was previously a rehab assistant so was aware of alot of assessments etc but doing the course has enabled me to really see why we do what we do, how things can be adapted for people and understand theory behind things such as activities/interventions and conditions

At my work the teams work quite well together and go out quite regularly including joint nursing and therapy christmas parties etc. The organisation run events for things such as walking (solent striders), this was great enabling us to go for a long walk as a group, having a good time with a bbq at the end. They do all sorts with the organisation.

Yes

Solent NHS are very supportive. Where I work particularly is a great place to work, the teams are supportive, great collaborative working, great understanding of my needs as an apprentice and lots of ooptunities to apply my learning. There are great incentives such as the apprenticeship award (which I won this year) and lots of experiences for placements etc.

Be open to new experiences. Take chances to get involved wherever you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification. Get to know the service and what they have to offer. Take advantage of the support available, they are here to help. If there are opportunities to progress, find out about it.