Rebecca Baker
Student realises dream of working for the NHS with apprenticeship
A City of Bristol College student found undertaking an apprenticeship was the gateway to her dream job with the NHS.
Rebecca Baker, aged 27, is undertaking a Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, which she will complete in September 2022.
Through her apprenticeship, Rebecca has gained both confidence and knowledge and has been pivotal in a number of administrative roles, from handling confidential information through to setting up meetings and recording important data.
She has even been able to turn her hand to small projects and support the Operations Officers of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucester Clinical Commissioning Group.
Rebecca left a six-year-long career in hospitality for her dream role within the NHS.
She explained: “I decided I needed to do something which would make a difference in the world, and the ambulance service seemed a perfect fit. I had previously done a bit of administration work but knew I needed to learn a lot of new skills to be able to complete the job and, after already completing a degree, I didn’t really want to go back into full-time education so an apprenticeship seemed like the best option for me.”
Rebecca is now urging other students to follow in her footsteps and consider an apprenticeship over full-time education.
She said: “Be prepared to earn very little at the beginning but if you put in a lot of effort, the chances of getting promoted in your role are quite high. Completing an apprenticeship is basically like starting a new job but with a lot more support and you gain a qualification at the end of it.”
“I think with the qualification, skills and contacts I have made while doing my apprenticeship, I will be able to apply for even better, more advanced roles with my organisation.”
Find out more about the apprenticeship programme on our website and read the other inspiring student case studies.
