My name is Hanna and I'm on a nursing apprenticeship with the NHS.
Being an apprentice has helped me to become confident and independent because I have real responsibilities and people depending on me. Working in the healthcare sector has improved my communication skills. I have learned how to speak professionally, ask questions, receive feedback, and work with different health professionals. I have also developed strong work ethics and time management skills, balancing work, training, academic deadlines, and my personal life.
Having to face real challenges has made me more resilient and better at solving problems. I have also learned that making mistakes as an apprentice is normal, and that learning from these mistakes helps you become a better apprentice.
Being a Welsh speaker has been a real strength as a healthcare practitioner. Many patients in Wales, especially younger children or older people, feel more comfortable speaking Welsh. Patients are better able to explain their symptoms in their first language, as they are clearer and more confident. This helps gather more detailed information and reduce misunderstanding. Being able to communicate with patients on the ward in their first language has helped build trust, allowing them to feel comfortable to talk about their concerns and feelings.
Working and learning as an apprentice offers great advantages, especially in healthcare, because I develop real skills in real settings while continuing to learn. Through learning, I can gain experience and take that experience to other areas, such as different wards. Another advantage is that I earn while I learn, which allows me to be more independent.
My college assessor plays a very important role in helping balance my college work with my job as an apprentice. She gives continuous support while studying and working. My college assessor explains complex subjects in a way that is easy to understand and adapts her teaching style to suit everyone. One of the biggest highlights of being an apprentice is that I was nominated for one of the B-wbl Awards, which are work-based learning awards. I was nominated for the Welsh Language of the Year Award. Although I didn’t win, it was a privilege to be nominated and to reach the final.