Michael is just six months from apprentice dream

Michael is the first of our individual apprenticeship blogs this week.

My name is Michael Murdoch and I’m currently on my third apprenticeship with the Trust – and my second degree.

I have been in care since I was 18 and fortunately thanks to apprenticeships I am six months from achieving a dream I never thought possible, a second University degree and being a Registered Learning Disability Nurse.

Initially I undertook the health support apprenticeship, gaining the Health and Social Diploma Level 2 & 3. This led on to being a trainee nursing associate for two years, then a registered nursing associate. My third and current apprenticeship is in Learning Disability Nursing.

I considered going to University for years, but financially I would never have managed to do it. The apprenticeship format changed that for me, allowing me to earn while studying.

I have a passion and desire for working with people with learning disabilities and had been a registered nursing associate for six months. As much as I believe nursing associates are a vital addition to the nursing team, I wanted more. I wanted to achieve my dream of being a RNLD.

I enquired at the University of Huddersfield and they had a space on the course – starting in four weeks! The Trust and the University supported me to get on this course quickly, which required a lot of work to get approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council and obtain funding to pay for it.

All of a sudden I was the first-ever Apprentice Learning Disability Nurse!

During the nursing associate apprenticeship, I had a fall and needed brain surgery. It happened during the summer break and fortunately I recovered quickly. At first I was urged to defer, but with support of the Trust and the course tutors I managed to catch up and complete the course. I was also awarded an Exceptional Achievement Award by the University for pulling this off as it was unexpected to due the seriousness of my injury.

When the Covid pandemic struck most students were unable to complete their placements. As an apprentice I was lucky in this regard as the LYPFT was able to provide my placement as my employer. I continued to learn and gain experience while also helping the Trust deliver a service in such difficult times.

I would recommend apprenticeships. The blended learning allows you to learn the theory and put this into practice. You are fully funded, therefore, no student debt and you get paid.