The Commitment to our Community programme is supporting local residents in our most challenged communities across Bristol experiencing barriers to work. Paul Bush, who came to the UK as a Ukrainian refugee shares his journey on starting his career in healthcare at North Bristol NHS Trust.
My name is Paul, and I am proud to say I am an apprentice Senior Healthcare Support worker in the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at North Bristol NHS Trust. My path here has been far from ordinary, but every step has shaped me into the person I am today.
As a Ukrainian refugee who was born and educated in Russia, I’ve faced challenges that have tested my resilience and determination. My career began with a Master’s degree in Journalism and management roles. However, during the crisis between Ukraine and Russia, I volunteered to help with evacuation efforts. It was during this time that I realised my true passion wasn’t for management, but for helping people.
When I moved to the UK, I made a bold decision to start over and pursue a career in nursing. I began as a healthcare assistant, earned my Level 2 diploma in Adult Care, and eventually found and joined the Commitment to Our Community programme. This programme has been instrumental in transforming my passion for healthcare into a fulfilling career.
How the programme has supported me
The Commitment to Our Community programme helped me to understand and believe that I can also apply for an apprenticeship which I never thought was possible. I already had a lot of experience in the world of work, the mentoring and application support gave me more information about apprenticeship opportunities that I could apply for.
I have successfully started my apprenticeship and one of the most inspiring things for me is the people that I work with. The team at the Acute Medical Unit has shown me what true dedication looks like. Their encouragement and support have motivated me to push my limits and grow into my role.
This for me isn’t just about gaining qualifications—it’s about being part of a community that values compassion, teamwork, and excellence. It has given me a sense of purpose and pride that I carry with me every day.
Skills and Confidence for the Future
I’ve embraced the challenges of working in a fast-paced clinical environment and I have learned a lot. But I’ve discovered a passion for acquiring new skills and deepening my knowledge. Whether it’s mastering clinical duties or developing my ability to provide compassionate care, every experience reinforces my commitment to my dream career of being a registered nurse.
I know the road ahead won’t always be easy, but with the skills and confidence I’ve gained through this programme, I’m ready to face any challenge.
A Message for you – Go for it!
To anyone considering the Commitment to Our Community programme, I would say this: go for it. This job is demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding. The long shifts and challenges are worth it when you see the difference you can make in someone’s life.
This has shown me that hard work and dedication can lead to incredible growth. If you’re looking for a career that offers purpose, fulfillment, and the chance to be part of something truly special, this is the place to start.
I am incredibly grateful to have started my apprenticeship at North Bristol NHS Trust, working alongside a team of healthcare superheroes. Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference - and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
You can find out more from Paul and how the Commitment to Our Community programme has supported him in the video below:
If you have been inspired by Paul's experience visit our Careers pages to find out more about working with us. Or contact our careers team to find out more about support available through Commitment to our Community.
Also find out how the Commitment to Our Community programme has helped over a dozen people access careers at North Bristol NHS Trust.