29 October 2021
We spoke with two of our apprentices to find out more about their experiences and why they were drawn to a career in occupational therapy:
Star: After completing my degree in health and social care I was keen on acquiring practical experience in occupational therapy before applying for a master’s degree in it. I was fortunate to gain employment with NRS who offer the apprenticeship route and applied for the programme.
Matthew: I thought that the course would be a great way to learn and earn at the same time. I get the chance to put into practice my learnt knowledge into my current job role.
Matthew: A lot of hard work and dedication!
Star: The OT apprenticeship role involves studying once a week during term time and working in your role the remainder of the week. This encompasses creating a balance that is realistic to your commitments. You are expected to undertake self-led studying during the week in preparation for each lecture weekly and this can include watching lectures/reading selected chapters and completing pre-lecture activities. There are assignments due usually toward the end of the term therefore it’s imperative to be organised and plan to accommodate study leave if required. The first year is purely academic and placements begin in your second year onwards.
Star: I enjoy the hands-on nature of my job. I get to refurbish equipment, explore how to adapt equipment to specific needs and trialling new equipment that is being introduced to the contract. This in turn means that I get to share my knowledge when I am approached by OTs out in the community for advice. I am constantly learning and applying my knowledge to practice.
Matthew: I work in the community, so I like the travel. I get to meet a variation in client groups and work in different environments. My favourite part is working with the client to problem solve.
Star: I enjoy my current role in equipment provision, and I can see myself continuing in this line of work. I further have an interest in neurology and this ties in well with my experience working in mental health.
Matthew: As I am at the start of my OT adventure I would like to gain as much experience as possible and then decided on a path to specialise in.
Matthew: I have worked for NRS just short of a year. I have found the company great for developing knowledge and progression. It’s a great place to work alongside many talented people – to grow and learn. My job is mostly autonomous, but I have the support of small but fantastic team.
Star: I was reading up on NRS and was intrigued by how they have incorporated the OT clinical service in their business model. It was yet another dimension to the role of an OT and I felt that gaining extensive equipment knowledge would enhance my skill set as a future clinician.
Deb Knowles, one of our OTs, has been mentoring some of the apprentices at NRS Healthcare.
Being a mentor is very different to being a supervisor or manager. Our relationship is focused on growth and development of the mentees during their period of study.
I have 4 apprentices from Coventry University that I’m mentoring right now, 2 in year 1, 1 in year 2, and 1 in year 3. I also have OT students from York St John University. Part of being a mentor includes attending regular drop-in sessions at Coventry University to share good practice.
We also have a monthly meeting where we share our good stories, wins, and support each other with our challenges.
Whilst mentoring, I can guide the students through their studies and offer advice when interpreting the feedback from their assignments. By being able to show the links between their learning and work, e.g. OT models of practice, theory, approaches etc. I can support their learning.
Thanks again to all the apprentices and their mentor for taking the time to speak with us. We wish them all the best in their studies. If you, or someone you know, is interested in doing an apprenticeship in occupational therapy, please visit the Coventry University website.
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