Community Trust celebrates the successful completion of its first-ever occupational therapy apprenticeship

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) is celebrating two outstanding apprentices who have completed the Trust’s first-ever occupational therapy apprenticeship ahead of Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Day on Saturday, 14 October. 

Nicola Cooper and Jeanette Collinson have a combined 28 years of experience at LCHS, working in various roles and services. LCHS has supported their career growth by providing opportunities to develop skills and knowledge. 

Nicola and Jeanette were Assistant Practitioners at LCHS and enrolled on the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship with LCHS in 2019. After a lot of hard work and determination, they have now successfully completed this and will attend their graduation later this year.  

Occupational Therapists are one of 14 different professions known as AHPs which is the third largest workforce in the NHS. As well as Occupational Therapists, AHP roles include professions such as Podiatrists, Paramedics and Speech and Language Therapists.  

Tom Roche, Deputy AHP Lead at LCHS said: “There are challenges nationally in recruiting AHPs and Occupational Therapists and often this is because there isn’t enough awareness about the roles and the career paths available. When most people think of the NHS, they think of doctors and nurses but there are a variety of different roles and opportunities for people.  

“By offering this new apprenticeship, LCHS is taking active steps towards reducing that recruitment challenge and supporting our own staff to develop their skills and careers whilst retaining talented people.” 

Following the completion of their apprenticeship, both Nicola and Jeanette have secured new roles at LCHS. Nicola will join the Pathway 1 Discharge to Assess Team as an Occupational Therapist, while Jeanette will work as a Specialist Children’s Occupational Therapist in the Children's Specialist Therapy Service.  

Nicola said: “For me, this apprenticeship has been life changing and I’m proud of what I have achieved and I’m so pleased that I was given this opportunity. I certainly had my ups and downs along the way but I made it and I am so excited to start my new career.” 

Jeanette said: “It has been a remarkable journey, one that has allowed me to evolve both personally and professionally, and I am excited about the continued opportunities for growth and development within LCHS.”  

Lee Gifford, Apprenticeship Lead at LCHS said: “I’m so proud to have been part of Nicola and Jeanette's journey. I’ve seen how far they have grown in confidence and developed their skills, it really is amazing to see.” 

Apprenticeships are a fantastic route, they offer people of all ages the chance to earn while they learn and build a successful career.

If anyone is interested in becoming an apprentice in the healthcare sector, please visit LCHS’s website.