Apprentices start their first week at Chelsea and Westminster

This week saw 7 Health & Social Care students from West Thames College start their apprenticeship programmes at Chelsea and Westminster.

Working under the direction of qualified nursing and midwifery staff they will carry out a wide range of duties to care for, support, and provide information to patients and their families. They will also gain invaluable experience of working within different departments and wards while also offering continuity in terms of being able to look after the same group of patients for a number of shifts at a time.

Florence Adeyemi-Adebo who has joined David Erskine Ward said, “When I found out I had been accepted I was really happy! For as long as I can remember I’ve been looking forward to being a nurse and this is the beginning. I had never worked in a hospital before, this is my first experience. When I heard I had got through the interview and been successful, I was just so pleased and excited that I was coming to Chelsea. Everyone on the ward has been so welcoming and although it has only been a few days I have already learned lots of new things. On the ward everyone works as a team. They are willing to share their knowledge and are very encouraging.” 

In addition to gaining clinical knowledge, the apprentices study functional skills, employment rights and responsibilities, personal learning and thinking skills including independent enquiry, reflective learning, self-management and teamwork.

The apprentices are working towards the Edexcel Level 2/3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Dementia Pathway) supported by West Thames College. On successful completion of the programme the apprentice will be eligible to continue in the Healthcare Support Worker role as a substantive member of staff with the option of continuing their studies.