Name: Shaid Yousaf

Age: 32

Company they work for: Lynfield Mount Hospital


Apprenticeship provider: Shipley College

I have been working in the care and support sector for approximately seven years and I have worked in many different settings. I have worked in private care homes, out in the community and in ward based settings.

What is your apprenticeship in and why did you choose this sector?

I was offered the opportunity by my current workplace provider to further my learning and enrolled on the Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship at Shipley College. I had ambitions as a Senior Health Care Support Worker. I wanted to develop and further my education. I wanted to reach higher, I wanted to progress and my ultimate goal was to become a fully qualified Adult Mental Health Nurse. 


What does your average working week look like?

I work 30 hours a week on an eight week rolling rota. My average weeks consists of two 12 hour shifts followed by one seven hour shift. Of course, not to mention one day at college.


Why did you opt to do an apprenticeship rather than A Levels or a BTEC?

At first I was skeptical at what this apprenticeship could offer me, I had been working in the Health and Social Care setting for nearly seven years and asked myself do I really need to complete this apprenticeship? I realised that this was no ordinary course and that this apprenticeship covered a variety of modules and combined theory with work based learning and on the job training. I was convinced that this apprenticeship would help me progress and further my learning in the Health and Social Care sector.

What is the most rewarding thing about your apprenticeship?

I am now coming towards the end of my apprenticeship and I must say I have enjoyed the whole experience. My theoretical knowledge has increased along with my practical knowledge. The support given to me by both the college and my tutors throughout this difficult year, throughout the pandemic and throughout home online learning has been fantastic and I could not have asked for more as a learner. 


If one of your friends was thinking about doing an apprenticeship what advice would you give them?

I would tell them to go ahead and complete an apprenticeship as it combines both theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge.


Once you are qualified, what are your plans for your future career?

I am due to start my Nurse Associate Training Foundation Degree at Leeds Beckett University in September on a two year degree which will see me qualify as a Band 4 Nursing Associate in Mental Health (I will hold a professional registration and will be registered with NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) with the option to complete a year top up and become a fully qualified registered Mental Health Nurse.