Apprenticeships at CWP

Jodie Breen, 23, Ellesmere Port

Jodie Breen, 23, from Ellesmere Port, is now enjoying her second apprenticeship with CWP and hopes to keep developing with help from her colleagues in our friendly Effective Services team. This is her Apprenticeship Story…

“I spent a couple of years after school training to become a hairdresser but soon realised it wasn’t for me.

When I saw a ‘Skills for Health’ open day advertised in the local paper I thought nothing of it, but at the last minute decided to go. It’s a decision that changed my life!

The course was a great first step into the NHS and it gave me the confidence to apply for a temporary job within the Effective Services team at CWP.”

In just three months the team recognised Jodie’s potential and offered her the chance to start a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship, which she completed in 2015.

Jodie is now well on her way to attaining a Level 3 apprenticeship, and there’s already talk of progressing to the Level 4 qualification.

"It’s crazy that I joined CWP for a ten week placement and three years later I’m still here as an established member of the team and with a number of qualifications to my name!

My apprenticeship experience at CWP has been amazing. I’ve been given so many opportunities, including a secondment into the Contracts team to cover a maternity leave post. This has helped me to develop and gain knowledge in a number of subjects.”

As Contracts Project Officer/ Team Administrator, Jodie’s role is to handle contract data, exception reports and Service Level Agreements between CWP and its partners and to provide support to contract managers. Jodie also provides administration support across the team for all team members.

“There’s so much more to an apprenticeship than you could ever imagine.

For me, my apprenticeship has been a great opportunity to meet new people and gain useful qualifications that can help me progress further in my career.

“It’s opened so many doors for me. I’m just so glad I went to that open day all those years ago!”

Karina Smyth, 54, Dublin

Karina Smyth had already worked for CWP for 18 years when a colleague recommended she sign up to an apprenticeship. Three years on Karina is enjoying her role in the Older Adult Mental Health Team at the Stein Centre in Birkenhead. This is her apprenticeship story…

“I have worked in a number of administration roles at CWP since moving to Merseyside from Dublin in 1995. These roles have been varied and also spread across many teams and localities.

“I started in the local drug and alcohol service, which at the time was based at St Catherine’s Hospital in Birkenhead, before securing a role as a Personal Assistant to the Trust Board – a role which I enjoyed for more than ten years!

“My working life then changed completely when I joined the community mental health team where I interacted with lots of different people and within a very diverse environment. 

“I have gained lots of experience through the many years I have worked within the Trust but I never thought I would get the opportunity to access free training and also get a very useful qualification.

In 2014 Karina completed modules in English, Maths and IT as part of a Business Administration Apprenticeship. 

“Completing an apprenticeship with CWP was great because the course was designed to fit around my workload.

“Throughout the 12 month course I would spend one day a week with colleagues at either Bowmere Hospital or West Cheshire College where we would complete our apprenticeship modules.

“Every session I attended was very interesting. I found the facilitators very approachable and their method of delivering classes was very good; particularly given the fact that most of us on the course had not been in a classroom environment for many years!

“It’s fantastic that the Trust is currently encouraging staff to participate in apprenticeships. If you get the opportunity to take part then you should definitely go for it! 

“My apprenticeship has given me an improved understanding of my role and developed my confidence within the workplace.  Maybe it could do the same for you too?"

Chloe Martin, 18, Buckley

Chloe Martin is currently completing an Estio IT Apprenticeship at CWP. This is her apprenticeship story...

“In my last few years at school I worked part-time for a catering company providing meals at local schools and care homes.

“I liked the feeling of helping vulnerable people in my local community. But when I got my school results it was obvious that my future was in IT.”

Chloe contacted Estio and after completing a short interview began her two year IT Apprenticeship in October 2015. 

Estio found Chloe a placement at CWP. She’s since completed a Microsoft Office Masters, as well as several courses in information, data and networking.

Chloe’s work has also been recognised by the North West NHS Skills Development Network.

“I’m so glad that my placement has been at CWP. I’ve gained experience of working in a number of different teams and I’ve been able to learn so much in such a short space of time.”

Chloe is currently supporting CWP’s Information and Redesign Team at the Countess of Chester Health Park.

As an apprentice, Chloe reports on patient activity, assists with data quality queries and even writes her own information reports. The team also really appreciate Chloe’s help in establishing an annual plan and coordinating weekly team meetings.

“I’m really happy with my apprenticeship. The work is great, the team are friendly and I’m basically getting paid to learn!

“It’s even better that I’m completing my apprenticeship at CWP. Some of my friends have got mental health conditions so, although I’m not working on the frontline, it’s nice to work for an organisation that helps people in similar circumstances.”  

Following her current apprenticeship Chloe would like to stay at CWP to complete a course in Business Management. We wish Chloe all the best for the remainder of her apprenticeship and beyond. Good luck, Chloe!