National Apprenticeship Week – Lucy’s story

This National Apprenticeship Week we’re sharing our people’s stories and experiences of completing an apprenticeship with us.

“My name is Lucy, and I am a senior personal assistant to our deputy chief of clinical operations. I have worked for EEAST for just under seven years, having joined in July 2018. I have held a variety of administrative, project and business support roles across numerous directorates in the Trust.

I am currently in my first year of a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) BSc (Hons), in Health and Care Management – fully funded by EEAST. I am studying with Arden University and started my apprenticeship in April 2024. Following my yearly appraisal with my line manager, we both decided I should explore degree-based courses for my professional development. I liaised with one of the leadership development managers, and she recommended a variety of courses that may be of interest to me. Through thorough research of the courses, I decided a degree apprenticeship would be perfect for me, allowing me to continue full-time work and gain valuable skills from both my academic studies and in the workplace.

I am a year into my degree apprenticeship, and I am really enjoying academic studies, having been out of education since I left college seven years ago. I have been very well supported by my line management and wider team. I also have a coach from Arden University who has been fantastic in supporting me with my apprenticeship requirements and thinking about future career aspirations. My work links very closely to my course, as for my CMI management registration, I need to submit a portfolio of my work.

I would recommend the apprenticeship route to others and encourage all staff to explore the learning and development courses available within the Trust. I would also encourage non-clinical office-based staff in particular as sometimes staff think courses are just for our clinical staff!”

If you want a job that gives you the opportunity to make a difference, start your #CareerForLife with EEAST today. You can find out more about careers and volunteering opportunities at www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-the-team.