Karen is a first year Midwifery Degree Apprentice, who joined ASPH seven and a half years ago as a Maternity Assistant immediately after finishing her access course at college.
“When the apprenticeship opportunity came up in 2023, I applied through the Clinical Practice Education (CPE) team, had a joint interview with the university and the Trust. I was then was offered a place to start September 2023.
“I am the only apprentice in my cohort, but all the students have lectures together then go out to placements separately. I am currently in my second placement in gynae/Early Pregnancy Unit/Abbey Birth Centre, having had my first in community at the end of last year, and have already completed two modules of the theory side of the degree.
“It is very full on and there is a big expectation of home study before and after lectures (with guidance), sometimes alongside placements too. It is very 'doable', but organisation is key, particularly if you have dependants at home to consider too!
“To be honest, the apprenticeship is everything I expected it to be ... exciting, interesting, scary at times, emotional, but so far, I'm loving it!
“The support at university has been great so far, all the lecturers are approachable, always happy to answer any queries and offer help where required.
“If you're considering this route, I would recommend working as a Maternity Support Worker (MSW) for a while first to gain some basic knowledge of maternity. l felt hugely advantaged to go into the degree even just understanding abbreviations etc., but if this isn't something you can do, you will learn everything at uni anyway!”
