THE UNLIKELY APPRENTICE

THE UNLIKELY APPRENTICE

By Emma Wilson

You might think that apprenticeships are only for young people. But that’s not true. Mersey Care’s modern apprenticeship scheme offers anyone over 16 the chance to grow and advance their career.

Helen Bailey (above), is completing her registered nursing degree apprenticeship at 52.

“I hadn’t considered an apprenticeship before,” says nurse associate Helen. “I thought they were only for school kids. But I was contacted by one of Mersey Care’s education facilitators and she suggested that I submit an expression of interest.

“To be honest I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. But I knew that support was always going to be there, so I gave it a go.” And Helen found she was supported, and not just at work. She sought help from her daughter, who was at university. “As a mature student the academic writing was a little daunting, but my daughter lent a hand and checked some of my writing for me.” Helen’s husband and others in her cohort

helped too. “There were hurdles but with support from home and colleagues I knew it was doable.”

I couldn’t have afforded to leave work and do the apprenticeship.

Learning whilst continuing in paid employment with Mersey Care was an important factor. “ I couldn’t have afforded to leave work and do the apprenticeship,” says Helen, “so having that peace of mind was a great help.”

She says her apprenticeship has given her more confidence, autonomy and drive. “I can see a big change in myself and I want to

carry on learning. I’m going to give myself a year in my new role, develop my skills and then I’d like the opportunity to progress even further.”

It’s a career route Helen encourages others to embrace. “Take every opportunity with both hands,” she says. “Yes, I was settled in my role, but I’m so glad I believed in myself and took the opportunity to expand my horizons.”

There were hurdles, but with support from home and colleagues I knew it was doable.