Health & Social Care Apprenticeship – University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
For Louise, returning to education was a bold step, but one she knew she had to take. She had always wanted to pursue a career that made a real difference, but like many adults wanting to go back to education, she wasn’t sure how to make it happen.
That changed when Louise found the Level 2 Health & Social Care Apprenticeship with City College Plymouth, delivered in partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP). It offered exactly what she needed – real-life experience, a wage and the chance to work while gaining qualifications.
Louise said, “I’d trained at City College before, so I knew I’d be in safe hands. But the Apprenticeship was so much more than a course. It gave me confidence, pushed me to achieve and showed me what I was truly capable of.”
Louise’s Apprenticeship placed her in the maternity department at UHP, where she worked as a Maternity Support Worker (MSW). Her role involved hands-on patient care, observing and supporting midwives and learning what it means to provide high-quality care in one of the most important moments in a person’s life.
A particular highlight for Louise was shadowing a midwife during an elective C-section in maternity theatres, a moment that confirmed her passion for the role and opened her eyes to the many possibilities within the sector.
Louise continued, “The whole experience was incredible. I gained so much knowledge and grew massively in confidence. It gave me the belief that I could go further – and I have.”
Thanks to the skills, knowledge and professionalism she developed, Louise secured a position in the Practice Development Team after completing her Apprenticeship. She now helps train new MSWs and support staff, something she never imagined possible when she first started.
Her hard work and transformation didn’t go unnoticed. Louise was nominated for, and won, a City College Apprenticeship Award, something she still describes as “surreal, humbling, and such an honour.”
Louise said of the win, “I never expected to be nominated, let alone win. It felt amazing to be recognised, especially knowing how hard I’d worked and how far I’d come. I felt seen, supported, and celebrated.”
But for Louise, the award wasn’t just about her own success. It was also a reflection of the incredible support she received along the way, particularly from staff at City College.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without my lecturers. They were incredible. They’ve helped make me who I am today and got me on the career path I could have only dreamt of.”
Louise is now looking ahead to the future with renewed ambition. She’s considering higher-level qualifications, and even exploring the possibility of training as a midwife – a goal that once felt out of reach, but now feels entirely possible.
Her message for anyone thinking about starting an Apprenticeship is clear and honest: “You’ve got to give it 100%. It’s not an easy ride, it takes commitment and dedication, but if you put the work in, you will absolutely reap the rewards. It’s life-changing.”
When asked to describe her Apprenticeship in one word, Louise doesn’t hesitate: “Phenomenal.”
If you’re thinking about taking on an Apprenticeship and want to know more, click here to explore the exciting possibilities that City College has waiting for you.
Photo caption: Louise with Chief Executive & Principal of City College Plymouth, Jackie Grubb (left) and Olympian swimmer and Apprenticeship Awards key speaker, Mark Foster (right)
