Unlock Your NHS Career: How an Apprenticeship Transformed One Nurse's Journey

A Journey Through the NHS

A Warrington ward sister, Jacqueline Nutt, has shared her inspiring story about how her NHS apprenticeship propelled her career forward. Starting as a healthcare assistant in 2016, she steadily climbed the ranks:

• 2017: Trainee Nursing Associate
• 2019: Registered Nursing Associate
• 2021: Registered Nurse
• 2023: Ward Sister

Jacqueline reflects on her journey, stating, "I've been able to progress doing a job that I love with the full support of the trust. Never in my life did I think that I'd go to university once, never mind twice. Doing an apprenticeship has allowed me to study and be financially stable, allowing me to support my family."

Encouraging Others

Now, she encourages others to consider an NHS apprenticeship. "My ambitions going forward are to continue to be in a patient-facing clinical role. The advice that I would give to people at the start of their careers is to make sure that you look after yourself so that you can look after your patients. The role is challenging but rewarding, and no two days are the same."

National Apprenticeships Week

Jacqueline shared her experience as part of National Apprenticeships Week, which runs from February 10 to 16. Healthcare leaders at NHS England North West are actively promoting NHS apprenticeships, highlighting that more than 3,000 people in the North West embarked on this journey in 2024, accounting for over 14% of total apprentices in England.

Chris Cutts, regional director of workforce, training, and education at NHS England North West, stated, "Apprenticeships offer an excellent way for people to access many of the 350 NHS careers and develop their skills and expertise. Whatever apprenticeship you choose, you'll make a big difference to patient care from day one and be sure of a rewarding career."

Learn While You Earn

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom learning, allowing you to earn while you learn. They typically take between one and five years to complete, and many NHS apprentices are offered a permanent job upon completion of their training.