Skip to content

Work Placement Testimonials

Nicole Stelfox - Trainee Nurse Associate Apprentice

Photo of member of staff

Nicole Stelfox
Trainee Nurse Associate Apprentice

Nursing was a career that I knew I always wanted to pursue, however committing to full time University was not possible for me. When I heard about the Trainee Nurse Associate Apprenticeship, I realised this was the perfect option for me as it was only one day a week at university and the rest was hands-on learning on placement within WWL. Being an Apprentice meant that I was learning whilst still earning a regular income, something that would not have been possible if I chose to do a full-time University Degree.

Throughout my two years of training, I have been on a wide range of placements which has allowed me to have exposure to, and experience the lifespan of patients, including being in the hospital, being out on the community and primary care. It has allowed me to explore a wide range of areas in nursing to develop my skills and has highlighted the areas in which I am more passionate about.

As an Apprentice, I have had to work on my time management skills as our placements are back-to-back meaning that I must utilise my own time away from working to complete academic work and meet deadlines. You are awarded one study day where you attend University to complete lectures and other aspects of the course, and I try to use this day to my advantage and complete work in this time. It can be challenging to balance work, University, and home life, but I have managed to do it by arranging my time well and utilising the support in University.

When I qualify, I know that the apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to explore a vast range of roles in Nursing and I can make an informed decision where I want my next steps to be as a Nursing Associate. I am hoping to be successful in gaining employment on a ward that I have had placements on, as being an Apprentice gives you the opportunity to build relationships beforehand which allows for a smooth transition. 

In the future I would like to utilise another apprenticeship available at WWL and gain experience and study further to become a Registered General Nurse.