Why did you choose a Degree Apprenticeship?

I wasn’t aware of degree apprenticeships before commencing this course. From attending opening evenings and research, the aspect of aligning theory and practice appealed to me. What I have found from traditional routes of study are that they are dense with very relevant theoretical knowledge; however, actually putting this into practice was the challenge. With the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship, there is an agreement between the employer and the education establishment to look at the curriculum and aim to align both areas as one. 

Working in healthcare, especially during the pandemic, was a challenge. The ability to demonstrate core skills to my employer consistently has shaped my learning and development in a timely manner and made me, as a student, develop a cohesive working relationship with my team. A lot of my patients ask me how my course is going and spend time remarking on how I have a good bedside manner. 

As an adult learner, my assumption was always that an apprenticeship is for adolescents and I am too old to be completing one; my assumption, of course, is wrong! I chose a more traditional route of education (GCSE, A-level, BSc) to meet the career map of a nurse and arguably unintentionally disregarded what the apprenticeship route had to offer. 

My employer had invested in the apprenticeship route when advertising this post so, in all honesty, the decision wasn’t mine, but I do not regret doing an apprenticeship. The post advertised was popular and the selection process must have been hard for the panel. 

Looking back over your time (so far), how have you found the whole experience?

The course is demanding, with the added pressure of a pandemic, but the tutors were been very supportive. When I started the course, I was very apprehensive, not because it was an apprenticeship but because of the additional workload and worry that academically I was not ready for a masters.

The modules, because of the interface with the employers, are tailored to be relevant to practice. A particularly enjoyable module was: ‘Clinical Examination and Decision Making,’ a practically focused module which gave me assessment skills in most body systems and integrating learning practice. The module, while heavily weighted in physical health skills, was challenging but enjoyable. Although I work within the mental health scope of practice, an awareness of musculoskeletal abnormalities and a holistic view of a patient is best practice and should be part of a generic skillset. 

Through the pandemic, my learning was transferred online, however, before this, I would attend University two days a week. It was a great chance to network and develop new skills. All students on this course are professionals from a multidisciplinary background within Greater Manchester and it’s refreshing to share good practice and partnership working. As a cohort we are all supportive of each other, we have a group WhatsApp group where we discuss the course, challenges and offer peer support. 

The course tutors are fantastic, with a welcoming and friendly approach. They are all educated to a very high standard, are experts in their area and very well respected. They are in touch with clinical practice, which allows for mutual appreciation of the challenges we face, and have practical and relevant ways to address any areas causing concern for us. 

As an ACP degree apprentice at Manchester Met, you are allocated an Enhanced Skills Coach who is also a relevant health care expert - in my case she is a nurse. The apprenticeship requirements seem overwhelming in addition to the academic requirements, but she kindly supports us to navigate them seamlessly. While my Enhanced Skills Coach is available for apprenticeship support, she is also a confidant and will provide informal counselling sessions ad hoc.  

The course is linked to the academic standards aligned to advanced clinical practice. I am now autonomous in my clinical examinations (seeking support with complex decision-making(, providing training to junior staff, and playing an active role in service innovation and interface.

How are you hoping a Degree Apprenticeship will support your career progression?

My career progression is clear, I will be an Advanced Clinical Practitioner within Mental Health at the end of the course. I have a passion for clinical practice as opposed to a purely operational remit and plan to remain patient-facing indefinitely. 

The course is mapped to the standards of advanced clinical practice and provides me with the fundamental elements to clinically lead. Healthcare today is constantly evolving, as such the courses for clinical practice must also, and the apprenticeship is reflective of this. 

There are lots of modules to choose from on this programme and I could only pick two flexible modules, but there are others I will definitely return to to support my professional development. 

What impact has your degree apprenticeship had in the organisation?

My organisation has benefited from a practical application of work. They have a chance to shape how they want to see the role progress and as such, a big aspect is having a direct dialogue with universities to have an influence on the curriculum. 

Do you have any advice for future Degree Apprentices?

A degree apprenticeship allows you to apply theory to practice, which is imperative in health care. Time management, discipline and having an open dialogue with your employer are essential to success. The course is very worthwhile but dense; you do need to put yourself first to sustain the pace.

My tips would relate to organisational skills and using a diary or timetable and sticking to it!

Remember you are human and allowed a social life, but this needs to be factored in to balance your work, home and study divide. 

My Skills Coach says…

“Nadia continues to strive for the best during her apprenticeship; she continues to grow in confidence, knowledge and skills. 

“In my role, I support by being available to help plan goal setting and review planning whilst ensuring that the individual feels supported throughout the continued pressures that develop during the programme. The University offers a wide range of service in addition to my role, which includes health and well-being, disability services and study skills support. 

“On every review per term, we discuss progression and development in the knowledge, skills and behaviours within the academic work and within the workplace. Nadia is from a mental health background, therefore support in general body systems been given alongside how to balance university requirements and the ever-demanding workplace role. 

“Nadia is developing all the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that she will be an amazing Advanced Clinical Practitioner, whilst understanding the other pillars involved like being a considerate leader and supporting your team to learn the evidence-based practice.” 

- Michelle Walker, Skills Coach