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National Apprenticeship Week runs until Friday (15 February) and we're celebrating the achievements of our current and recent apprentices who are making a real difference to patient care while advancing their careers.

Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, with course fees funded and the support of experienced mentors.

At HCT, we’re proud to support a range of apprenticeships over the last few years, from podiatry and physiotherapy to occupational therapy and nursing, and the number is increasing. Our apprentices are building rewarding careers across a wide range of clinical roles.

Here several apprentices share their experiences:

Laura's podiatry journey

Laura is in her second year of a 4-year Podiatry Apprenticeship, studying with the University of East London while working for the HIDS Podiatry team.

Laura explained: "The opportunity to study podiatry as an apprentice has given me the chance to make a career change.

”You don't have the massive burden of paying tuition fees and you get the benefits of a salary and an NHS pension. You can do it as a mature student and get a degree at the end of it."

Laura highlights that most of her fellow apprentices are in their 30s and 40s with families and responsibilities.

"The juggle between working and studying can be hard but it is also very rewarding," she adds.

Her Clinical Educator, Becky, says supporting apprentices is incredibly satisfying. "Being part of an apprentice's journey is very rewarding. I look forward to coming to work, seeing where their journey will go and how I can influence it. Seeing the apprentices I work with learn and grow keeps my own knowledge up to date and relevant."

Sam's success story

Sam Sheridan qualified as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Hertfordshire in September 2025 after completing a degree apprenticeship. With experience spanning physiotherapy, occupational therapy and therapy assistant roles since 2005, Sam decided it was time to take the next step.

She recalled: "After being out of education for 16 years, the trust supported me to complete a Health Care Support Diploma, which helped me meet the entry criteria.
"Being able to earn while learning made achieving a degree possible without the financial strain of full-time study."

Sam emphasised the importance of support networks. "Manage your time carefully, be kind to yourself, and use your support network. The help is there for a reason, and everyone needs it at times."

Now working as a qualified Occupational Therapist, Sam reflects: "The apprenticeship route has truly changed my career and my life. With the right support and determination, it's never too late to learn and achieve your dreams."

Starting out in physiotherapy and nursing

Beth is in her second year of a Physiotherapy Apprenticeship at Essex.

She said: "The apprenticeship route has been a perfect fit for me.It allows me to learn and earn, but also to apply what you've learnt almost immediately. I would suggest the apprenticeship route to anyone."

Margaret finished her Nurse Associate apprenticeship at the University of Hertfordshire in September 2025. "I had a strong passion for nursing while working as a health care assistant," she explains. "I opened up to my manager about it, and she guided me into the nursing associate course. I am incredibly grateful that I was able to start this new journey."

Could an apprenticeship be right for you?

Whether you're looking to start a new career or develop your existing skills, apprenticeships offer a supported pathway to professional qualifications while you continue to earn.

Find out more about apprenticeships and other benefits that we offer our staff.