The Apprentice Journey

Doing this not just for me but for my heavenly best friend

Hi my names Amy, I am in my final year of my Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship and half way through my final placement. 

Having worked in the NHS for over 8 years, I was ready to start a new journey and progress up the career ladder. The Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity for me. With two children and a house to manage, being able to continue working while studying was crucial, and without this chance, I would not be where I am today.

The apprenticeship has been a wonderful and unforgettable experience. I have met a wide range of diverse people and had the chance to work across many areas, which has allowed my skills and knowledge to expand significantly. Sheffield Hallam University is excellent and offers continuous support throughout the degree. Initially, I struggled, having not been in education for many years. I worried about managing the workload, and the thought of writing academic assignments with references was daunting. However, there are many resources available, including the student library, where dedicated staff are always willing to guide and support you through your studies.

There have been challenges along the way. During my studies, I lost my mother while an assignment was due, and I didn’t know how to cope. Everything felt overwhelming. Fortunately, my coach offered regular support meetings, and the cohort lead helped me apply for an extenuating circumstances form, allowing me to postpone my assignment. The team’s support during such a difficult time was incredible, I could not have asked for more. I remember saying to myself, “Mum, I will finish this degree to make you proud.” and that, I will make sure I do. 

Throughout my journey, I have learnt the importance of speaking up when struggling. You are never alone, and there is always support available. Sheffield Hallam truly wants you to succeed. The apprenticeship is a fantastic route for learners to build their skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve a recognised qualification.

Although I won’t be jumping straight back into education, I will certainly be looking into other apprenticeship options in the future.

It's now time to finally buy the motorhome I’ve always wanted and travel with my four dogs my wife and my children. 

Starting a new career path - From Passion to Profession

Before starting my apprenticeship, I spent over a decade working in SEN schools, supporting children with autism and sensory processing difficulties - a role I truly loved. I built strong bonds with the children and colleagues and gained invaluable experience, but eventually reached a point where I couldn’t progress further. I wanted to evolve, not leave behind what I loved, and pursue my dream of becoming an Occupational Therapist, with the long-term goal of specialising in sensory integration, continuing to support individuals with neurological diversities.

At the same time, my daughter was growing up, and I wanted to be a role model - showing her it’s never too late to chase your dreams and that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Initially, I planned to attend university full-time, but financial realities and family responsibilities made that difficult. Discovering the OT apprenticeship route was the perfect solution: I could earn money while gaining the qualifications and experience I needed.

The transition was daunting. Despite having transferable skills, the start felt overwhelming - navigating online platforms, tracking hours, learning endless acronyms, and balancing work, study, and family life. It was exhausting, but it revealed a resilience I didn’t know I had. Along the way, I’ve met incredible people from diverse backgrounds, gained experience across different settings during placements, and seen my knowledge, skills, and confidence grow rapidly. Health challenges, especially in my third year, tested me, but the university’s support was nothing short of amazing.

Now, as I near the end of the course, it’s bittersweet. I’m ready to leave the assignments, modules, and the constant juggling act behind, but I’ll miss the friendships, challenges, and moments that shaped me. I intend to return to Sheffield Hallam and pursue my postgraduate degree in Sensory Integration, but first, I need a year to give myself a break and enjoy my success. 

I remember saying to my family over 3 years ago, “I just want something to challenge me, to show what I’m capable of and help me reach my potential.” This journey has done exactly that, and here I am, nearly at the finish line, proving to myself that if you dedicate yourself to something and work hard, you can achieve anything!

Good luck 😁

From Therapy Assistant to Apprentice OT: My Wobbly, Wonderful Ride

After nearly 20 years in the NHS and 13 of those years supporting a community OT children’s service, I decided it was time to shake things up. My children were finally in school (hallelujah for uninterrupted cups of tea), and I was ready to challenge myself as a mature student. The OT apprenticeship was the ideal route to allow me to continue to work and also develop my learning.

Now, I won’t sugar coat it those early days were intense. So many acronyms, processes, and “wait, what does that mean?” moments. It felt like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. One of the reasons that sparked the idea for this website: a friendly corner of the internet to help future apprentices through those “what have I signed up for?” phases.

Once I found my rhythm with Sheffield Hallam, I genuinely loved it. Learning new skills, linking theory to practice, and finally understanding why I was doing things as a therapy assistant, it was like someone turned the lights on. 

One of the unexpected joys of the apprenticeship has been meeting such a diverse mix of people including students from all walks of life, placements in different settings, and off-the-job learning that opened my eyes to new perspectives. It’s been like joining a big, slightly chaotic, but incredibly supportive family. 

Life, of course, doesn’t pause for study. I live with Crohn’s disease and have a stoma, which can make things tricky. But I’ve felt supported every step of the way, especially through a learning contract that helped me navigate the tougher days. Big shoutout to the Hallam team for the ongoing support.

Now, as I near the end of my apprenticeship, I’ve got one piece of advice: do it. Whether you are a few years into your chosen path or, like me, juggling family life and wondering if your brain still works after years of CBeebies this journey is worth it. My life experience hasn’t been a barrier; it’s been a benefit.

I’m excited (and slightly emotional) about stepping into the future as a qualified OT and continuing to support the children and families I work with. 

If I can do it, with kids, Crohn’s, and a healthy dose of imposter syndrome, you absolutely can too!

Hi my name is Lorraine ,

I enrolled on the apprenticeship after over a decade of working as an OT assistant.  

For a long time I wanted to make the progression to becoming an OT.  However, leaving full time employment to study at university wasn't an option for me as it was not financially feasible and the service in which I worked did not offer the apprenticeship route.  I was very frustrated as I knew what I wanted to do with my life but it felt so out of reach.

After a decade as an OT assistant, I started a job in a different service and couldn't believe my ears (and luck) when they announced that they were offering to fund the OT apprenticeship degree!!!! 😁🥳.  Needless to say I jumped at the opportunity and very swiftly applied!  

I enrolled on the OT apprenticeship as a mature student in 2023 🎉.  I remember my first day in university like it was yesterday.  It felt like my first day at school and felt both excited and anxious at the same time.  Excited because I was finally there DOING IT but anxiously wondering if I could really do this and the finish line in 2026 seemed so very far away !!!!!  Fast forward nearly three years and I CANNOT BELIEVE how quickly the time has passed by.

As I near the end of the journey it is rewarding to reflect up on the experiences I have had, the skills and confidence I have gained, the people that I have met, how far I have come and that I am only a few weeks away from being a qualified OT !!!!!!!

The journey has not always been smooth and juggling work, home life and study has been extremely challenging.  There were times when I felt like giving up but speaking to work, Hallam Help, other students and family when I need support has helped me to get near the finish line.

My advice would be to reach out for support when you need to and when times are more challenging, always remember the finish line will be here before you know it.  

Good luck on your journey, it will all be worth it in the end 🎓