We are UHB: Michael Breakwell, Orthotics Apprentice

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust runs Good Hope, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth and Solihull hospitals, Birmingham Chest Clinic and Solihull community services.

I have worked in therapies for over 15 years. I fancied doing something different and wanted to learn a new job.? So, when the option of taking the Orthotics Apprenticeship came up, I jumped at the offer.

Orthotics is a speciality that focuses on the design and application of orthoses (braces or callipers) to improve mobility. As a result, for patients, this helps to reduce the number of falls they have, reduces pain and discomfort, and prevents, as well as treats, any foot deformities.

As a therapy support worker, I wanted to further progress my career?in healthcare, but with the responsibilities?of having?a?young?family and a mortgage?my options seemed fairly limited.? So, when my line manager sent the details about the apprenticeship route, I realised I could further my career and still maintain an income.

The orthotics apprenticeship programme is the first in the country, introduced due to an international shortage of orthotists, in order to open new ways into the profession.

Personally, it’s been brilliant to have the apprenticeship option available. As well as enabling me to balance family life with my career, having a mix of practical and theoretical learning is perfect for me. I learn through seeing and doing. It really?helps that something?you can read on a Monday,?can?be put into practice on the Tuesday.?

You can see the benefits of what you are learning?and studying and?the direct impact this has on patients. And, as I enjoy patient contact, I haven’t had to give that up. It’s great to use my learning to think laterally and find a solution; for example, how footwear can be adapted for a patient to help their mobility.?

There are times when it feels a lot to study and work, but the course tutors are really?supportive and offer lots of help.

I would 100 percent say to anyone like me, that wants to do more but feels restricted by factors such as finances and family commitments, they should consider the apprenticeship route.? It’s not always easy, but the rewards are great, and I can honestly say it is enjoyable and really fulfilling.

If I hadn’t had the option of doing the apprenticeship, I was going to leave healthcare as there wouldn’t have been any way for me to progress further. The course has opened up more opportunities for me.

I’m nearly two years through the three-year course and once qualified in 2025, I plan to stay on working at the Trust as a qualified orthotist.

You can find out more about apprenticeships at UHB on our website: