“Apprenticeships Make it Possible” – How One Apprentice Developed Confidence
Chloe Peter’s Case study
Level 4 Fire Safety Inspector
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
For a chance that not everyone is given, to learn whilst I am doing, and to better my future within the NHS. This is my second apprenticeship with The Royal Free and I would not be in this position without the help of apprenticeships. It has given me the opportunity to be in roles I have always wanted but never had the qualification for, apprenticeships make it possible.
When enrolling on the apprenticeship, what level position were you in?
I started at The Royal Free in 2015 as a switchboard operator, In 2019 I started my first apprenticeship as a domestic team leader and now in 2024 I am on my last apprenticeship doing the level 4 fire safety inspector.
Did you have reservations about doing an apprenticeship as an adult? If so, what changed your mind?
No, not at all. I am a firm believer that you are never to old to go back to school. When I did start the first apprenticeship I was nervous as it had been a while since I last studied or was in the mindset of going back to school, but once I started I never looked back. It has also helped me a lot as I am dyslexic and the thought of doing my maths and English exam shook me to my core, but I am so proud of myself to say I have finally passed both my exams.
What have you achieved since starting your apprenticeship?
Starting with my apprenticeship in the Domestic department has lead me to the Level 4 Fire Safety apprenticeship. It has given me countless amounts of networking and given me a lot of confidence.
Has doing the apprenticeship helped you to develop any so called soft skills?
As I said with my dyslexia I would be terrified to read out loud in a group of three people. With my first job/apprenticeship at the Royal Free, I had to train 20-50 staff members at a time. This gave me so much confidence and took away so much nervousness even to the point where I can now say, “sorry everyone, please give me a moment as I am struggling to read this word.” My organisation skills have also improved greatly as I have had to organise my time, my paper work, and my off the job training.
What are your career goals post apprenticeship?
Currently I am on the Level 4 Fire Safety Inspector apprenticeship, I would love nothing more than to carry on my career progression at the Royal Free, to rise through all the bands and become someone important.