How I found a new start as a midwife
NI c OLa SPENcER worked as a customer care receptionist in a maternity unit, but wanted to become a midwife.
The 24- year- old, who worked at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, jumped at the chance to retrain.
In February 2010, she enrolled on a one-year apprenticeship with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
While putting her theoretical knowledge into practice on the wards, she also attended Guy’s and St Thomas’ education centre one day a week to learn new clinical skills. at the end of the apprenticeship, she gained a BTEc.
Nicola, from Orpington, South-East London, is now in her third year of a BSc in midwifery studies with registration at the Trust’s academic partner, king’s college London. She says: ‘Without the apprenticeship, I would not have had the experience needed to apply for a university place studying midwifery.
‘I gained a good understanding of the role by working in the different areas of maternity. This also improved my academic skills, an area where I lacked confidence. This experience has provided a fantastic foundation for my training. It is important to gain a realistic picture of the area you are pursuing.’
On finishing her training next September, Nicola hopes to secure a position as a midwife at St Thomas’ Hospital.
Over the past 18 months, more than 350 young people have been helped into employment by the Trust’s apprentice- ship and work placement schemes. currently, 60 apprentices are gaining the hands- on experience they need to be hired in areas including business administration, cardiology, engineering, midwifery, paediatrics and sterile services.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ also work with the Prince’s Trust on its ‘Get Into’ work placement scheme.
Now, 70 per cent of young people have gone on to find work or enter further education within si x months of completing their placement. These short courses help inspire 16 to 25-yearolds to work in sectors such as catering, l ogistics and customer service by improving communication skills and developing interview skills and cVs.
Shamara Johnson, 21, got a position in the Trust’s payroll department as a pensions assistant after completing the work placement scheme. She says: ‘I’ve always wanted to work in the NHS, but it wasn’t easy as places are limited and I had to prove I really wanted it.
‘When I was offered a placement, my life changed. I can’t thank Guy’s and St Thomas’ and the Prince’s Trust enough.’