National Apprenticeships Week runs from 9-15 February and is a time for those who are passionate about apprenticeships to celebrate the benefits and opportunities they bring.
The theme of the awareness week this year is ‘Skills for Life’ and someone who is enhancing his existing healthcare talents is Jonathan Jackson, one of the first apprentices on a new University of Northampton (UON) programme – Podiatry.
Podiatry degree apprentices develop expertise in areas such as biomechanics, dermatology and musculoskeletal disorders, a work-based route that provides a direct pathway to becoming a fully qualified podiatrist.
Apprentices learn alongside their full-time degree peers at the University’s Podiatry Clinic, treat patients (supervised by the academic team) with a working orthotics (devices such as splints and braces) lab, which is located next door to the main hospital in Northampton.
They also experience live dissection classes and virtual dissections using the University’s new Anatomage Table.
Jonathan (pictured on the left, with two of his apprentice peers) says: “I had worked for Barnet NHS Podiatry department as a Biomechanic Technician for many years. In March last year, my line manger/friend from Barnet advised that Hertfordshire NHS Healthcare Trust were offering an Apprenticeship scheme to train to become a Podiatrist. The apprenticeship was run in conjunction with University of Northampton, and he thought I was the right person to apply.
“The Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship experience is very professional and nurturing environment, from the University and my employer – there is support every step of the way.
“Hertfordshire NHS offer the mentorship aspect of the course with 1-to-1 support with regards to our clinical practice as well as liaising with the other apprentices who work alongside me.
“The University’s Course Lead and lecturers have been very supportive throughout from the day of my interview, enrolment, additional support from the ASSIST team (as I have dyslexia) to the teaching experience. We integrate amazingly well with the full time Podiatry students, where knowledge and skills are shared.
“There is a shortage of podiatrists now, so I would highly recommend anyone considering Podiatry as a career to seriously look at the UON Apprenticeship offer as a means of gaining a degree.”