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“I had been working as an NHS Speech and Language Therapy assistant since 2009, I knew that I wanted to be a qualified Speech and Language Therapist but going to university to complete a degree didn’t seem feasible due to having a young family, finances etc. The Speech and Language Therapy Apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity for me. Finally making my dream of becoming a qualified SLT a tangible goal.

“All of the group members are willing to share their knowledge and experiences and pass on ideas and resources to aid in our studies. We have our own WhatsApp Group and there is always someone to respond to a message of help if we need it. With us being a close supportive group we really do feel like we are all in it together and not just the apprentices – the programme leaders and the lectures too.

“My days are very different as they are broken down into study days and work-based learning days. Monday and Tuesdays are currently my university days. I complete these days working from home. Study days include a mixture of lectures, directed study packages including core reading and answering questions, and self study days – which I use for extended learning of the directed study packages, revision, assignment writing and completing worked-based reflection evidence for my knowledge, skills and behaviours – these are competencies that I have to show that I have met in order to complete the course. 

“On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, I go to my normal place of work for my work-based learning days at Blackpool Teaching Hospital. I support patients in the community with communication and swallowing difficulties, work with patients in their own home, in clinic settings and via Tele- Health services. I use my work-based learning days to continue developing my skills within my place of practice. 

I have opportunities to work with, shadow and learn from experienced qualified Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) to increase my scope of practice. The aim is that by the end of the four years I will have achieved all of the knowledge and skills to be able to be a competent fully functioning SLT.

Nichola Crozier, Apprentice

"I value the teaching and support given to me by the University, but also the fantastic learning opportunities given to me in my place of work by the qualified Speech and Language Therapists I work with everyday at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Post qualification, being a ‘home-grown’, skilled SLT I look forward to being able to give back to that wonderful team that will have supported me through it.”