As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 we asked colleagues - 'What impact has the apprenticeship had on you, your work and your role at NBT?'
Jacky Rorke - Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprentice
Jacky has worked at the Trust for over four years and works in the Leadership Management Team. Jacky has recently received a Distinction for this Apprenticeship and shares, “To be an internal Coach at NBT I needed a minimum Level 5 Coaching Qualification - the apprenticeship route was the most cost-effective option and allowed me to apply my learning on the job! I am now part of the NBT Coach Network offering my coaching services to a wide range of colleagues across the organisation. I now adopt a coaching style of leadership at every opportunity and am much more focused on a 'ask not tell' approach to conversations.
My manager and team have been really supportive throughout my apprenticeship. My line manager has provided me with great feedback and helped me plan & ring-fence my study time. My team colleagues have flexed their diaries around our facilitation commitments to free up time for my coaching sessions and workshop attendance.
Advice to others considering apprenticeships - “Really use your allocated apprenticeship Coach Mentor - mine was fabulous and I was able to ask any questions/seek help when needed!”
Claire Honey - Level 4 Public Relations & Communications Apprenticeship
Claire joined the Trust in September 2023. She is a Communications and Engagement Assistant in the Communications team. Claire found value in the practical elements of an apprenticeship.
Claire mentions, "Studying an apprenticeship gave me the confidence to work more independently and innovatively. After studying a degree at University, which had more of a focus on theoretical knowledge, I found the more practical skills an apprenticeship provides highly valuable. My final project involved leading on all aspects of a communications campaign, giving me the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead on further campaigns in the future."
Lisa James - Level 3 Business Administrator Apprentice
Lisa, who has worked for the Trust for 15 years and works as a Very High-Risk Breast Care Coordinator and Clerical Officer believed the apprenticeship has helped to communicate more effectively.
Lisa shares, “I have a much better understanding of how the trust works, the trust objectives and how they tie in with my department and job role specifically. It has helped me communicate more effectively and challenged me to do things I would normally shy away from. It has helped to make me a more confident, well-balanced person. I am extremely lucky as my manager supports me 100%. My colleagues ask me questions about my apprenticeship, and they have also allowed me to train them or shadow them as part of my off the job training. If you are considering an apprenticeship, I would definitely go for it! You'll be surprised what you are capable of.”
Shaun Hudson - Level 4 Data Analyst Apprentice
Shaun originally started a career at NBT in 2014 as a Healthcare assistant. In 2019 Shaun moved to Pathology Sciences as a Medical Lab Assistant and then transitioned into an IT support role in the Histology and Cytology departments after being recognised by his managers for his IT skills. Shaun thinks "Apprenticeships are a great way to access higher level education”.
Shaun also shares, “It has given me a much greater understanding of data analysis best practices and process and has allowed me the time to devote to making departmental improvements. Through my portfolio's development, I've implemented systems that save the department an estimated 540 hours and just over £10,000 per year in staff hours that would have been spent running processes manually. My manager has provided all of the equipment and time needed to complete my apprenticeship and has been incredibly supportive of the process. Apprenticeships are a great way to access higher level education”
Kate Singh - Level 6 Project Manager Apprentice
Kate is a Project Manager in the Reset & Recovery Team. Over the 4 years Kate has been at the Trust, she has gathered experience and sought out opportunities to support her progression in the team. In Kate's response, she talks about how supportive her workplace sponsor has been.
Kate shares, “As I have progressed through the learning framework and University assessments, I have enjoyed developing an in-depth understanding of the context in which we all work in the NHS, becoming more competent in my role and confident of my place in the team. This resulted in opportunities to gain wider experiences of project management in the organization, and as I near the end point of my apprenticeship I have been able to secure a Project Manager role within my team. Over the last 3 years my workplace sponsor (Hannah Miller) has been instrumental in securing me the experience that I have needed to progress, and she has ensured that this was at the right level and right time for me. We have worked closely to map areas that I have needed to build on to meet my learning requirements, and how and when there would be opportunities for me to get exposure in these areas. I have received support in my learning journey from across the organization.”
Steve Pawsey - Level 2 Facilities Operative
When asked 'What impact has the apprenticeship had on you, your work and your role at NBT?', Steve said, “I have been able to understand more how facilities are involved in day to day running of department, my manager has supported me in giving me time to complete course and study time to do course work. I would tell anyone to take opportunity when given and learn lots to help prepare for more opportunities”
Steve’s tutor Mike says “Steve should be commended for his dedication and commitment, as he has great heart and determination for his success to this apprenticeship”.
If you interested in a career or an apprenticeship at NBT, you can visit our careers and apprenticeships pages to find out more.