NHFT Apprentice Student Nurse invited to speak at the All-Party Parliamentary Groups in Westminster
Apprentice Student Nurse, Anthony Hammond, has been invited to Westminster (via Zoom) to discuss higher level apprenticeships and the opportunities they offer as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
Anthony was invited to present at Westminster on 20 October 2020 for the second time to discuss his experiences as an apprentice, and the opportunities to pursue apprenticeships in further education.
Anthony joined NHFT as a Healthcare Assistant. As part of our annual appraisals, Anthony identified an opportunity to complete his function skills and progress into further into his career. After completing his function skills, he wanted to pursue a career in nursing while continuing to work and care for his family.
We spoke to Anthony about his talk to the All-Party Parliamentary Groups, he said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to influence MPs and employers to progress apprenticeship opportunities for employees within their fields, and share my experiences of my apprenticeship journey with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and The Open University.
“NHFT has provided me with a pathway to develop my skills within my current role, and opportunities to further my career. I am grateful that the people I work with have shown great leadership in helping me to realise my own potential and supported me on to the nursing apprenticeship, to study while working.
“Studying with the Open University has enabled me to balance studying, working and home life and I have received invaluable support from colleagues across the Trust. I am humbled to be invited back by the All Parliamentary Group to represent NHFT with a key focus on the opportunities for leadership within apprenticeships.
“The Learning and Development team are passionate about working with you to develop your skills and have a number of pathways to achieve this. NHFT has supported me in furthering my career and I am keen to share my journey and highlight that apprenticeships are a clear way of supporting people to develop professionally within the NHS to upskill and attain colleagues.
“I am now looking forward to completing my degree, and looking into further leadership apprenticeship opportunities.”
An apprenticeship enables Anthony to further his knowledge and experience in a workplace environment, and complete his nursing qualification in four years. He is currently working in our children’s and young people’s inpatient mental health unit called The Sett, Northampton.