Open to students of all ages, apprenticeships offer on-the-job training and open doors for career progression.
Apprenticeships combine academic study with workplace experience, and students are paid throughout their course as they work and study at the same time.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has apprentices in departments from Radiation Physics and Ophthalmology to Workforce and Finance, with many teams including apprentices who are building their careers across a range of = programmes.
Apprentices Carol, Septimius and Robyn share their stories:
Carol White, Science Manufacturing Technician
“In 2021, I heard that a new apprenticeship opportunity had launched: the Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship. I knew straight away it would be the perfect opportunity for me – I could study while I was working, and I would gain knowledge and the chance for career progression in the job I love.
“I’ll be honest: for the first couple of months I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew, mainly because there was a lot more work to complete in my own time than I had ever imagined, and the first module was chemistry which was not my strong point. Also, when I started the apprenticeship I was 53-years-old and it had been 35 years since I was last in education, so it was a real challenge for me!
“Completing my apprenticeship was difficult at times, but it was most definitely worth it. I have gained a great qualification, pride in my achievements, greater self-confidence, and opportunities to progress my career.”
Septimius Mutu-Bodiu, Ophthalmic Medical Photographer
“I chose the BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) apprenticeship, which allowed me to deepen my knowledge while gaining formal qualifications that would open up new career opportunities for me.
“The apprenticeship has significantly shaped my skills and career. I’ve gained advanced technical skills in ophthalmic imaging, such as performing OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scans. The experience has also improved my communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, which are all essential in a clinical environment.”
Robyn Aynsley, Trainee Healthcare Scientist (Cardiac Physiology)
“I chose an apprenticeship because it offered the perfect balance of practical experience and academic learning, allowing me to gain hands-on skills in cardiology while earning a salary. The opportunity to work directly with patients and medical technology, while also studying to gain qualifications, appealed to me more than traditional university routes. I was excited by the prospect of learning from experienced professionals in a real-world setting, which would help me grow my expertise in heart health.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to dive deeper into the field, especially in areas like electrophysiology. There’s so much more to learn, and the challenges that lie ahead are what drive my passion for this field. Every day brings new opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge, and I am eager to continue growing and contributing to the healthcare industry. The endless learning possibilities keep me motivated and enthusiastic about the future.”