Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Trainee Nursing Associate Apprenticeship - update
Earlier this year, to mark National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to Sarah Church and Joanne Tranmer who both started as Trainee Nursing Associates. Now, we’re catching up with them to find out what they’ve been doing and how they’re finding the course.
Sarah Church is 32 and from Pateley Bridge and Joanne is 40 and from Micklefield. Before they began their Degree Apprenticeships, they were both working at Harrogate Hospital in the outpatient department as a Senior Healthcare Support workers.
How are you finding the Degree Apprenticeship?
Sarah - So far, I’ve found the overall experience great! I love the campus and been able to make lots of new friends along the way. I have now finished my first module and had resulted our first assignment. The lecturers were able to put all our minds at ease and supported us throughout the whole process. I have not done academic writing for a long time, and although I struggled at the start, things became easier when I got in the swing of it!
Joanne - I’m finding the degree apprenticeship great. It’s a good balance between working life and new learning. A bit overwhelming at the start with all the new apps and programmes to get to grips with but I’m feeling much more settled on the course now.
The best bit so far has been experiencing different areas of working and all the new skills I’m gaining. I’m feeling more confident in my role and that’s down to applying myself to take on new challenges and gain new skills.
The first assignment was stressful, I was anxious about it as I wanted to do well so I put a lot of effort and time in to getting it right. I submitted it and received a great score of 70/100, so I was pleased with my first attempt.
TNA Sarah Church
What are you doing at the moment?
Sarah - I am currently finishing my first five-week placement which has been really interesting in the community in Harrogate, my assessor is amazing, and the team are super kind!
Joanne - I’ve been in placement with the Adult Community Nurses. It’s been an eye-opener to life in the community, but I’ve been able to engage with lots of new learning and procedures alongside working in some challenging home environments.
TNA Joanne Tranmer
How are you balancing this course with your home life?
Sarah - My work life balance I think is good, as I’ve been able to continue working, studying, being a Mum and any life challenges along the way. I am lucky, because I have a great manager in my Hub, who is the most supportive person, and I am incredibly lucky to have a friend on the course to help along the way.
Joanne - I took a little while to get into a routine so I could fit everything in but with great support from my manager I’ve always been given the correct hours to fulfil the required sections of my course.
What would you advise anyone who is thinking about doing a Degree Apprenticeship?
Sarah - I would encourage anyone like me, with home commitments, to try an apprenticeship route, as the structure is flexible, and hasn't impacted on my home life like I first thought. I am really looking forward to the next stage, new learning and new adventures, and will forever be grateful for the opportunity I have been given.
Joanne - I would like to share that although it’s daunting when you first begin, with so many new things to take on, it’s worth every bit or stress as it all soon starts to fall into place, and you begin to really enjoy it.
To find out more about Degree Apprenticeships that are on offer at Leeds Beckett click here.
