Three years ago, NCIC saw the first cohort enrol on midwifery and podiatry apprenticeships. They have now stepped into their new roles as qualified professionals.
We are now lucky to have three more qualified midwives and one new podiatrist. We asked them to tell us about their apprenticeship experience at NCIC.
Laura Huck, Midwife
“Completing the midwifery apprenticeship has been both a rewarding and transformative experience. It offered me the unique opportunity to learn in a hands-on, real world clinical environment whilst developing my academic understanding of maternity and neonatal care. I worked alongside experienced midwives and nurses in hospitals and community settings, along with neonatal units and women’s outpatients throughout my rotation.
“The support from my team was crucial throughout my midwifery apprenticeship. Experienced midwives guided me patiently, offering constructive feedback and helping me build confidence in my clinical skills. Their encouragement created a safe learning environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and reflecting on my practice. During emotionally challenging situations, their support also helped me manage stress and maintain professionalism. Their mentorship played a key role in both my personal and professional growth.
“Completing the apprenticeship and becoming a registered midwife fills me with a deep sense of pride, hard work, and emotional growth, I’m now able to support women and families during one of the most significant moments in their lives. I feel confident, motivated and ready to continue life-long learning. It’s both humbling and empowering to know I can make a real difference and to be able to do a job I love every single day I feel extremely lucky.
“I had previously been a healthcare within the department for 6 years and then completed the assistant practitioner apprenticeship before starting the midwifery apprenticeship.
“I would recommend doing a health apprenticeship. It’s a great way to gain hands on experience while learning on the job and developing practical skills in real healthcare settings. You earn whilst you learn, build confidence and work closely with professionals who support your growth. It can be challenging at times, but it is an excellent route for anyone who is passionate about a career in healthcare.”
Danielle Cowling, Midwife
“The last 3 years have been the hardest but best 3 years ever.
“I was a maternity support worker for 14 years at West Cumberland Hospital prior to going into the Midwifery apprenticeship at the University of Cumbria. I felt being a maternity support worker helped me massively during my apprenticeship as I had prior knowledge before starting the course. I had worked shifts for many years so when I started the placement, I knew what to expect.
“I am a mother of 2 children and managed to have a good work life balance. The academic work was difficult at times, but colleagues and the university staff were very supportive and helped me. I was never afraid to ask questions. The course offered a good and varied range of placements.
“I have now been qualified for 4 weeks, and I am loving working on the wards as a qualified Midwife. It was very special when I delivered my first. baby as a qualified midwife.”
Claire Ripley, Midwife
“I have been fortunate to undertake three apprenticeships with the trust – Assistant Practitioner, Nursing degree top up, and my goal in Midwifery. Without the option of an apprenticeship, I would not have been able to fulfil my dream. As a parent of three with a mortgage, ceasing work to become a student was not an option and without this opportunity I would not be where I am today.
“Colleagues at work have been very supportive and gave me the push and then encouragement to undertake studies, believing in my abilities to fulfilling my dream.
“I still can’t believe I have now finally qualified, after 6.5 years of study I am finally living the dream.
“I would recommend anyone to undertake a health apprenticeship. If anyone is unsure, I would say go for it, at 47 years old I thought I was too old to return to studies, but I am living proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
Claire Atkinson, Podiatrist
“I’m delighted to say that after three years I have completed the apprenticeship degree in Podiatry.
“As a mature student I have found it quite challenging, but combining the academic side of the degree through the University of Plymouth with the clinical practice within my work environment has been an excellent method of study.
“The Podiatry team have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey, for which I am very grateful, especially to my clinical mentor Lisa Winston who saw me through some trying times.
“Even though I would have loved to train to be a podiatrist previously the option of full-time education wasn’t available to me so being given the opportunity to go through the apprenticeship route was the perfect method of learning, especially for someone who thinks practically.”