NAME: Carly Rosewell
COMPANY: Bearstead Medical Practice, Maidstone
COURSE: Degree Apprenticeship in Health (Assistant Practitioner)
STARTED: 2016/2017
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE THE DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP IN HEALTH?
I really wanted to develop my career really. I've been at the practice 6 years and I hadn't really done much personal development other than attending the mandatory courses, or learning things that would enhance my clinical ability like ear syringing or vitamin B12 injections. But I got to the point where I wanted to achieve more.
WHY DOES AN APPRENTICESHIP WORK FOR YOU?
This apprenticeship scheme is ideal because it enables me to manage my life around it. I have two young children so I could learn and further my education academically, while I'm improving my clinical ability while at work with a mentor. And it's a good way to work for me because I'm a practical learner. It suited me in all ways.
It's only going to be positive, it's education. Any potential future employer will see that my training is 6/7 years old, the NVQ – almost 10 years. The apprenticeship has enabled me to improve my skills without halting my career.
WHAT YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP?
It's been a surprise but the academic learning. I didn't know I would enjoy that type of learning. I'm really proud of it. I'm producing this work, and I'm proud of the marks I'm getting. I like the clinical enhancements, that extra knowledge. When the patients come to you, you can help a bit more.
DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR AND HOW DO THEY SUPPORT YOU THROUGH THE DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP?
Three mentors actually. They are there for me if I have a problem or need some reassurance. You might come across a situation that you haven't seen before and you need some advice. You continue to learn when they come in and speak to the patient and you can have a catch-up or discussion afterwards.
I'm learning all the time and when we go through PAD, (Practice Assessment Document,) there's things I'm yet to learn that they're guiding me through.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE THINKING OF APPLYING TO A COURSE LIKE THIS?
I personally really enjoy it, I'm only in the second term with another year to go. Give it a try. I personally didn't know I could achieve this, especially with the academic writing. It's helped me develop myself and my confidence.
HOW HAS GREENWICH SUPPORTED YOU THROUGH THE DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP?
The lecturers are amazing, especially Maureen Mannion. She's amazing. She gives us time in and outside of class, she's really motivational and made me want to achieve it. They are all brilliant – very contactable and it's all very interesting. There are challenges, but the resources and the library give you everything you need.
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO AFTER THE DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP?
The further degree takes 12 months – so that's an option. At the moment I'm discovering what I enjoy as I go along. How I feel now might not be how I feel in a year. I do know that I wish I had done it earlier rather than waiting 6 years.
