I was attracted to the role because I wanted to help make a real difference to people's lives each day.

I initially was attracted to the role as I was looking for a route into the healthcare profession and wished to develop myself academically by gaining a degree, but I could not afford to become a full-time student. I am thankful for the opportunity to both earn and learn through the apprenticeship scheme.

I previously worked in education and cared for children with special educational needs. I was attracted to the role because I wanted to help make a real difference to people's lives each day. The course allowed me to develop my academic confidence and clinical skills so that I could make informed decisions and provide the highest care possible for my patients, and it is satisfying knowing that I can do that each day through a job I enjoy doing.

My clinical confidence and competence have both increased thanks to the support of the tutors at the university and clinical educators alongside support from my ward managers and staff. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student, and I plan to do the nursing top-up course in the future.

My advice for someone wanting to become an apprentice is to remain focused and committed to your goals. The course can be challenging, and there will be a few bumps and learning curves in the road but trust the process and work hard and you can achieve what you want and then some.