At Nottinghamshire Healthcare, we're committed to continuing to build our apprenticeship offer, and to support our apprentices to get the most out of their experience.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their career potential. We offer Apprenticeships to everybody; from school leavers on the first step on the career ladder, through to existing members of staff who want to enhance their career prospects and develop their skills and expertise.
There is no age limit; you can undertake an apprenticeship at any time in your life. They are a valuable way to develop skills and provide training opportunities throughout your career and are delivered in partnership with quality assured education providers.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are work based training programmes where employees work towards a set of national standards which help employers train people for specific roles. It combines practical training in a job with study.
Who can access an Apprenticeship?
Our apprenticeships are available to existing staff at all levels and new recruits to the organisation, if it is relevant to their role and they have their managers approval.
Will I get paid?
Apprentices are employed and will receive a salary.
Existing staff undertaking an apprenticeship to develop in their role will continue to be paid at their current rate of pay whilst undertaking an apprenticeship.
How long does an Apprenticeship take?
Apprenticeships generally take between 12- 36 months to complete, depending on their level.
All apprentices are given time to develop during their working hours, including a requirement for a minimum of 20 per cent 'off the job' training. This does not necessarily mean that apprentices must attend college, but they do need to be undertaking some sort of training/development activity.
What level of qualification will I receive when I finish?
Individuals can undertake an apprenticeship at any level. There are apprenticeships starting at equivalent to GCSE level, all the way up to Foundation, Honours and Master's degree level.
What types of Apprenticeships are there?
Nottinghamshire Healthcare offer a variety of Apprenticeship programmes, in both clinical and non-clinical areas from Level 2 - 7, including:
- Healthcare Support Worker
- Assistant Practitioner
- Healthcare Science Assistant
- Healthcare Science Associate
- Healthcare Science Practitioner
- Assistant Accountant
- Business Administration
- Customer Service
- Digital and Technology
- Leadership and Management
- Education and Learning
- Human Resources & Organisational Development
- Estates and Facilities
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are a great way to attain a nationally recognised qualification whilst enhancing your professional skills, knowledge and behaviours.
- Gain job specific skills
- Further your career potential
- Earn a wage whilst studying.
- Gain valuable work experience
- Get time for study related to your role
- Achieve nationally recognised qualifications
- Widening access to career opportunities and progression
Colleague profiles - National Apprenticeship Week 2026
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we're celebrating colleagues across Nottinghamshire Healthcare who are developing their skills, confidence and careers through Trust-supported apprenticeships.
In this section:
Samantha Young - Assistant Practitioner, Mental Health Care Group
James Day - Employee Relations Advisor, Corporate Services
Emma Mosley - Employee Relations Officer, Corporate Services
Donna Nussey - Associate Director of Quality, Corporate Services
Thomas Ancelin - Clinical Assessor, Community Health Care Group
Emilia Kubistelova - Assistant Practitioner, Community Health Care Group
Caroline Jennings - Operations Manager, Mental Health Care Group
Melissa Edwards - Podiatry Assistant and Apprentice, Community Health Care Group
Gary Massingham - Admin Apprentice, Mental Health Care Group
Jessica Barge - Occupational Therapy Degree Apprentice, Mental Health Care Group
Samantha Young - Assistant Practitioner, Mental Health Care Group
Samantha Young works within our Mental Health Care Group as an Assistant Practitioner and is nearing completion of her Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship.
Samantha joined the NHS in 2002, after being made redundant from her previous role. Job hunting at the time meant scanning the local newspaper, and it was there that she spotted an admin role within the Community Learning Disabilities Team. While she initially applied with ambitions of becoming a secretary, the role opened the door to a career she hadn't planned - but quickly fell in love with.
Typing reports for Occupational Therapists sparked her interest in the work behind the words. It gave me an insight into people's lives, their challenges, and the support they needed to live well, she explains.
When an OT Assistant role became available, Samantha applied and was delighted to be offered the post. She spent 20 years within learning disabilities services before moving into mental health, discovering along the way that working directly with people was where she truly thrived.
After 17 years as an OT Assistant, the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship felt like the natural next step - offering the chance to build on her extensive experience while gaining new knowledge and confidence as a practitioner.
It's hard work and definitely pushes you out of your comfort zone, Samantha says. There are moments when you question your life choices - usually around assignment deadlines - but it's absolutely worth it.
As she prepares to qualify in March 2026, Samantha is exploring opportunities for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist role. While learning disabilities remains close to her heart, placements and shadowing have opened her eyes to services she'd never previously considered.
One of her proudest moments came during a physical health placement, when she realised just how transferable her skills were across settings. That moment really boosted my confidence and showed me how much I've grown through the apprenticeship.
Outside of work, Samantha runs on strong Yorkshire Tea with a splash of milk, credits Haribo's for getting her through assignments and says her dream superpower would be mind reading - to better understand how people are really feeling.
James Day - Employee Relations Advisor, Corporate Services
James Day works within Corporate Services as a Employee Relations Advisor and is about to begin a Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship, working towards a CIPD Level 5 qualification - a key milestone in his HR career journey.
For James, the apprenticeship route was a natural choice. Not only is the qualification a mandatory part of his role, but it also gives him the opportunity to blend academic learning with real, hands-on experience.
I really liked the fact that I can take what I'm learning day-to-day in my role and transfer that directly into my academic work, he explains. The flexibility of the apprenticeship route also meant I could explore different course providers and choose the one that suited me best. I'm very grateful the Trust supported me through this.
James's NHS journey began back in 2016, when he joined the Flexible Staffing Bank while at university. What started as a way to earn some extra money soon became something more meaningful. With several family members already working in the NHS, James was inspired to follow in their footsteps and build a long-term career in healthcare.
Looking ahead, James is clear about what he wants to gain from his apprenticeship. His goal is to strengthen his HR knowledge and confidently apply theory to practice in his day-to-day work.
My ambition is to progress to an Employee Relations Advisor role after completing my training programme and then continue climbing the HR ladder from there, he says.
When asked what advice he'd give to others considering an apprenticeship, James doesn't hesitate: I would very strongly encourage it. You get to learn and get paid at the same time - it's a win-win.
Outside of the serious stuff, James keeps himself fuelled at work with a meal replacement shake and a protein bar. He's firmly team coffee, usually with milk - and occasionally a bit of sugar for a change!
If he could swap jobs with someone for a day, it would be a colleague in Organisational Development, just to see what their role really involves. And if he had a superpower at work?
Definitely the ability to slow down time - so I can get everything done!
Emma Mosley - Employee Relations Officer, Corporate Services
Emma Mosley works within Corporate Services as an Employee Relations Officer and is due to begin a Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship in 2026, supporting her development within the Trust's Employee Relations team.
Emma chose the apprenticeship route to help her excel in her career while bringing new skills and knowledge into both her team and the wider Trust. The course will develop her understanding across key areas including data usage for people management, business aims and objectives, risk navigation and negotiating and influencing techniques.
I'm really grateful the Trust has funded this course, Emma says. There were lots of courses available through the levy, and I really appreciated the variety of learning structures on offer. I've chosen to study with Crosby Training and I'm really looking forward to getting started on my apprenticeship journey.
Emma's motivation for working in the NHS comes from a deep respect for healthcare workers and the impact they make every day. With her mum having worked within Nottinghamshire for 40 years, joining the NHS felt like a meaningful step early in her own career.
Being at the start of my career, I hope my move to the NHS means I can make a real impact in supporting those who support so many people through their care and service, Emma explains. HR isn't always sunshine and rainbows, but we're always there to advise, reassure and help people through difficult times - and I'm really proud of the impact we can have.
Looking ahead, Emma hopes her apprenticeship will help her build knowledge, confidence and experience, supporting her progression from Employee Relations Officer to Advisor, and potentially into a Senior ER Advisor role in the future.
With the support of my colleagues, I hope my expertise continues to grow and that I can become a real asset to the team and really flourish in my career, she says. When asked what advice she'd give to others thinking about an apprenticeship, Emma said: Go for it. Do your research into what courses are available and make sure you're eligible, but I'd absolutely encourage anyone to take on learning that can improve them and their professional ability.
Outside of work, Emma runs on sweet, milky, frothy coffee - with a vanilla latte currently topping the list - usually paired with a breakfast biscuit. If she could switch jobs for a day, she'd spend time with one of the Trust's clinical colleagues, such as a nurse or healthcare assistant in mental health services, to better understand the realities of their roles and how HR can best support them.
Emma's proudest work moment so far has been getting involved in team activities, including the Timeout Olympics, where the ER Warriors team took an impressive third place overall. It was great to meet so many colleagues from People and Culture, and I was proud that in my first few months in the team I went all in - even helping to form the team and our banner!
Donna Nussey - Associate Director of Quality, Corporate Services
Donna Nussey works within Corporate Services as Associate Director of Quality and is nearing completion of a Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Master's Apprenticeship, delivered through Cranfield University's School of Management.
Donna began the apprenticeship in June 2022 and is now at the End Point Assessment stage - almost at the finish line. Funded through the national Apprenticeship Levy, the programme spans over two and a half years, followed by a nine-month EPA phase, and leads to two qualifications: a Postgraduate Diploma in Systems Thinking and Systems Thinking Practitioner accreditation through SCiO.
When I signed up, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, Donna explains. The course promised tools for tackling complexity, supporting strategic decision-making, and offering alternatives to conventional problem-solving methods that often fall short - and that really intrigued me.
Rather than simplifying complex problems, the apprenticeship focuses on working within complexity, developing the mindset, language and tools needed to lead effectively in challenging environments. For Donna, the apprenticeship route was the ideal way to learn - with immediate, real-world application in the workplace.
It's been demanding but incredibly rewarding, she says. Learning is applied directly in practice, so you can see the impact straight away. I'm excited to finally cross the finish line.
Donna's NHS journey began almost 29 years ago, at the age of 18, after attending an open day at her local hospital while working in a care home for older people. She went on to work as a Healthcare Assistant, before being seconded to complete her nurse training and qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 2005.
Over the years, Donna has worked alongside exceptional teams across the NHS, championing high-quality, safe and effective care, and improving experiences and outcomes for patients, carers and colleagues.
Having grown up in the NHS, I now have the privilege of providing strategic leadership for quality, Donna explains. That includes setting priorities, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing risk, championing continuous improvement and shared learning - and building strong relationships across organisations. I love my work, and I continue to love the inspirational colleagues and teams I work with every day.
When asked what advice she'd give to others considering an apprenticeship, Donna reflects on her own journey: You have more to gain and less to lose. You're at work anyway - go for it. There's so much support available if it gets tough. No gain without pain.
From her apprenticeship, Donna hopes to gain exactly what the course set out to offer: the mindset, tools and approaches needed to lead effectively in complex systems and support better decision-making. Newly appointed to her role at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, her focus for now is firmly on making an impact where she is.
Outside of work, Donna admits to being a self-confessed crisp-aholic, rarely getting through a day without at least one packet. Once a devoted tea drinker, she's recently switched to very weak black coffee - just to colour the water! If she could switch roles for a day, she'd choose her 18-year-old self, just starting out in a care home - to reconnect with the passion that began her NHS journey and to remind herself how every challenge helped shape the career that followed.
And if she had a superpower at work? To double the person - just temporarily, she says. So I could lead strategy and improvement while also being out on the front line with staff and patients. Twice the insight, twice the empathy and twice the impact.
Donna's proudest work moment came many years ago as a nurse on an acute stroke ward, when a patient's family gave her a handmade card that read: 'When we leave mum in your care, we know she's safe - and that means more than any words can ever say.' It stayed with me, Donna reflects. That feeling of pride and passion for what we're privileged to do.
Thomas Ancelin - Clinical Assessor, Community Health Care Group
Thomas Ancelin works within our Community Health Care Group as a Clinical Assessor and completed a Physiotherapy Degree Apprenticeship in 2023, in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University.
Before starting his apprenticeship, Thomas worked as a Frailty Practitioner - a role he loved - but he always had the ambition to become a registered healthcare professional. With the encouragement and support of his line manager, he applied for the apprenticeship through a competitive selection process and was delighted to be offered a place.
I always had the incentive to train as a registered professional, Thomas explains. But I wouldn't have been able to apply for a traditional physiotherapy degree - I already had a mortgage. The apprenticeship route was invaluable for me as a mature student.
Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, the programme allowed Thomas to continue earning while studying, making a career change possible alongside responsibilities. He's open about the challenge the course presented.
It was a very difficult course, he says. There was a lot of independent study and at times I found managing work-life balance really hard - especially as my little boy was born halfway through the course! But if you're willing to put the hard work in, I would recommend it wholeheartedly.
Thomas's motivation for working in healthcare is simple but powerful: a desire to help people and make a genuine difference in their lives. That motivation continues to drive his career progression.
Having qualified as a Physiotherapist, Thomas is now embarking on another apprenticeship - an Enhanced Clinical Practice PgCert - to further develop his skills within his current role in Urgent Community Response.
I love apprenticeships so much I've started another one! he laughs. This qualification will give me enhanced clinical skills and knowledge to support my work as a Clinical Assessor.
Although physiotherapy remains a core part of his skillset, Thomas says his passion truly lies in urgent community response. His long-term ambition is to qualify as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) within this specialty.
Working closely with partners including the ambulance service, NHS 111, NEMS and GPs, Thomas and his colleagues respond to urgent health and social crises across Nottinghamshire - helping people receive timely care closer to home.
When asked what advice he'd give to others thinking about an apprenticeship, Thomas is both encouraging and realistic: Go for it - but please be kind to yourself. Make sure you plan downtime throughout the course, because it can be very demanding.
On busy days, Thomas fuels himself with a meal deal when there's no time to prep lunch, alongside white coffee with no sugar. If he could switch jobs for a day, he'd happily become an antique dealer, combining work with his passion for antiques and collectables. And if he had a superpower at work? Teleportation, he says. To move between visits super quickly!
Thomas's proudest moment isn't a qualification or promotion, but something far more personal - the birth of his son, which happened right in the middle of his apprenticeship journey and remains his greatest achievement.
Emilia Kubistelova - Assistant Practitioner, Community Health Care Group
Emilia Kubistelova works within our Community Health Care Group as an Assistant Practitioner and is currently completing a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care as part of her apprenticeship journey.
Emilia chose the apprenticeship route to support her professional development and help her build skills that she can apply directly in practice. The apprenticeship gives me the opportunity to improve my communication skills and gain more experience, Emilia explains. It's helping me grow and develop step by step.
Emilia's inspiration for working in the NHS comes from the Trust's core values. What inspired me most were the Trust's values - trust, respect, teamwork and compassion, she says. These values are very important to me and guide how I work with patients and colleagues every day.
Looking ahead, Emilia has clear ambitions for her future. Her long-term goal is to qualify as an Occupational Therapist, continuing her journey within healthcare and building on the foundations she is developing through her apprenticeship.
When asked what advice she'd give to others thinking about undertaking an apprenticeship, Emilia encourages people to reflect carefully and prepare themselves. Make sure you have a genuine interest, she advises. And practise your skills with someone you trust to help build confidence.
Emilia hopes her apprenticeship will help her gain confidence, broaden her experience and strengthen her ability to deliver high-quality care. Her focus is on learning as much as possible from every opportunity.
Outside of work, Emilia keeps things simple with black coffee - no milk, no sugar. If she could switch jobs for a day, she'd choose to carry out undercover visits to care homes, observing care practices and reporting any concerns to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - reflecting her strong commitment to safe, high-quality care.
And if Emilia had a superpower at work? I would instantly understand patients' needs, she says, so I could always provide safe, kind and person-centred care.
For Emilia, her proudest work moments come from everyday experiences. Good feedback and positive outcomes from patients motivate me, she explains. Every shift teaches me something new about healthcare and teamwork - and achieving a good work-life balance is important to me too.
Caroline Jennings - Operations Manager, Mental Health Care Group
Caroline Jennings works within our Mental Health Care Group as an Operations Manager and is undertaking an Executive MBA Apprenticeship, a postgraduate management degree designed to advance leadership and business skills.
Caroline enrolled on this apprenticeship to enhance her strategic thinking, decision-making and overall career development, while being able to immediately apply her learning to her current role. This includes coaching, using self-assessment tools, exploring different leadership styles, and reviewing the Trust's strategic vision, culture, and practices.
Nursing has always been a vocation for me, Caroline explains. Caring for others has been part of who I am - I was often called 'the mother hen' as a child. After 14 years in private healthcare, joining the NHS felt like a natural progression, and I've been here for the last 11 years.
When asked what advice she'd give to others considering an apprenticeship, Caroline encourages: Identify a mentor, set clear boundaries, and make time to meet your course outcomes. Take every opportunity to enhance your skills, performance, knowledge, and behaviours.
Through the apprenticeship, Caroline hopes to increase her knowledge across operations, finance, marketing, and digital transformation, strengthening her professional credibility with a globally recognised qualification. Ultimately, she sees it as a pathway to progress into senior strategic leadership within the NHS.
Outside of work, Caroline keeps herself fuelled with cheese, chocolate and wine, and lots of coffee if there's an assignment! If she could switch jobs for a day, it would be with Oprah Winfrey, inspired by her ability to advocate, empower and influence others. And if she had a superpower at work? Mind-reading - it would help enhance strategic problem-solving, influence and to keep me one step ahead of the game! she laughs.
Melissa Edwards - Podiatry Assistant and Apprentice, Community Health Care Group
Melissa Edwards works within our Community Health Care Group as a Podiatry Assistant and Apprentice, currently completing a BSc (Level 6) in Podiatry.
Melissa began her NHS career in 2010 as an Admin Apprentice and has progressed through a variety of roles, including Social Work Assistant in a high-secure hospital. Alongside her work, she has achieved a Level 4 qualification in Business and a Level 3 qualification in Team Leading and Management.
Although I gained valuable experience in each role, I reached a point where I felt there was limited opportunity for further progression, Melissa explains. When I saw this role advertised, I was eager to apply. Studying while working is, in my view, the most effective way to learn. It allows me to develop practical skills that can't be fully gained through theory alone, like communicating with patients, building trust, and gathering accurate patient histories.
Melissa's motivation for working in healthcare is deeply personal. I've spent my entire career in the NHS; it's the environment I know best and the one that has shaped me both personally and professionally. The NHS has supported me throughout my life, and I feel a strong commitment to give something back. I want to contribute to its future so it's there for generations to come.
When asked what advice she'd give to others considering an apprenticeship, Melissa is honest about the commitment required.
It is challenging and time-consuming, and you really have to stay focused and committed to the study - but it's absolutely worth it. Having knowledgeable and supportive colleagues makes a huge difference, and their encouragement helps you stay motivated through the tougher moments. It's also essential to look after yourself. Taking time to pause, reflect and recognise how far you've already come can be incredibly grounding. Progress often feels slow in the middle of it, but when you step back, you see just how much you've achieved.
Looking ahead, Melissa hopes to continue working within her current team, demonstrating the skills she's developed and showing that the support and encouragement she's received has truly paid off. She also has a strong ambition to progress into a team leader role, supporting colleagues, helping them grow and celebrating their achievements.
Melissa credits a key colleague for inspiring her along the way: There is a colleague who has been with me every step of the way. Learning alongside them has always felt easy, safe and supportive. Watching them communicate with patients and build trust is truly inspiring. The job can be demanding, but seeing the pride and fulfilment they gain motivates me deeply. If I can become even a fraction of the practitioner they are and feel the same sense of achievement that would be something truly worth striving for.
Melissa's go-to work snack? Coffee (lots of it!) and spicy noodles. If she could have a superpower at work, she jokes, it would be instant memory recall, so she wouldn't need to write everything down. And her preferred coffee style? No sugar, no milk.
Her proudest moment so far has been seeing her skills evolve into something genuinely professional. I've had many memorable moments throughout my training, but I think my proudest achievement is that I no longer debride like a robot. I've developed confidence, technique and a much more natural, patient-centred approach. It feels good to see my skills genuinely growing.
Meet Gary Massingham - Admin Apprentice, Mental Health Care Group
Gary Massingham works within our Mental Health Care Group as an Admin Apprentice, completing a Business Administration Apprenticeship.
Gary chose the apprenticeship route as a way to return to work after being a stay-at-home dad, while also building new skills and refreshing others he hadn't used for a while.
I wanted to enrol because it felt like a good way to get back into work, Gary explains, but also to improve my skills and build my confidence.
The apprenticeship has given Gary the opportunity to learn on the job, gain recognised qualifications and experience different aspects of working within the NHS - all while being fully supported in his role.
Gary's motivation for joining the NHS comes from a lifelong appreciation of the organisation and its values. The NHS has always been a big part of my life, he says. I think it's an incredibly important institution, so I was delighted to join.
Looking ahead, Gary hopes to gain as much as possible from his apprenticeship - not just new skills, but confidence and experience across a wide range of tasks.
I want to polish up some old skills and develop new ones, he explains. I'm also really using this opportunity to work on my confidence and to experience as many things as my role will allow.
Gary's ultimate aim is to secure a permanent role within the NHS once he completes his apprenticeship, continuing his journey within the organisation.
When asked what advice he'd give to others considering an apprenticeship, Gary is clear:
It's a great way to get into work or develop new skills. I'd recommend choosing a subject that personally means something to you, or that aligns with your interests and strengths.
During busy workdays, Gary keeps things simple with gold bars as his go-to snack. If he could switch jobs for a day, he'd be torn between two very different roles. Freddie Steward - Leicester Tigers and England Rugby legend! he laughs. But seriously, I'd love to experience what the Trust Chief Exec's job is like for a day.
And if Gary had a superpower at work? Teleportation, he says. It would make the commute a lot easier - and it would be fun to have in the office!
Gary's proudest work moment isn't about a single achievement, but the way he approaches each day. I'm proud of how I approach my work, he says. I try to arrive and leave with a smile and throw myself into everything I do with enthusiasm.
Meet Jessica Barge - Occupational Therapy Degree Apprentice, Mental Health Care Group
Jessica Barge works within our Mental Health Care Group as an Occupational Therapy Degree Apprentice and is currently nearing the end of her second year on the Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship.
Jessica has worked in the NHS for five years, originally in a healthcare assistant-type role. While she loved supporting patients, she knew she wanted to do more and continue learning. With the support of her manager at the time, Jessica was able to shadow a range of professions to explore her interests and it was during this time that she discovered Occupational Therapy was the right path for her.
I knew without a doubt that Occupational Therapy was the route for me, Jessica explains.
The apprenticeship route made this career change possible. Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, Jessica does not pay any tuition fees and is supported to balance work, study and placements. She has one study day per week, attends university every few months, completes placements a couple of times a year and submits assignments every few months alongside her role.
Jessica's motivation for working in healthcare comes from a lifelong passion for helping others, alongside seeing first-hand the impact the NHS has had on her and her family. I've always loved helping people, and seeing how the NHS has supported my family made me want to be a part of it, she says.
Looking ahead, Jessica hopes to complete her apprenticeship and qualify as an Occupational Therapist, with the ambition of securing a Band 5 role within her current team. She's excited about the career opportunities that will open up once qualified - opportunities she knows wouldn't have been possible without the apprenticeship route.
Once qualified, it opens up a whole host of career development for the future that I would otherwise never get to experience, she adds.
Jessica is honest about the commitment apprenticeships require and encourages others to think carefully about support networks. Undertaking an apprenticeship is hard work, so make sure you have support around you, she advises. For me, my husband and parents help with childcare, and my work team are incredibly supportive when I'm learning or out on placement.
When it comes to powering through busy days, Jessica's go-to combination is decaf coffee and sweet-and-salty popcorn - though she still takes her coffee black, as an americano. If she could swap jobs with anyone for a day, it would be a doctor, driven by a long-standing interest in medicine. And if she had a superpower at work? The ability to slow down time - so I can get everything done!
Jessica's proudest moment so far was getting the phone call to say she'd been successful in securing her apprenticeship place - a milestone that marked the start of an entirely new chapter in her NHS career.