How a Modern Apprenticeship helped Kirsten make positive career choices

Modern Apprenticship in Business Administration

Kirsten is a project officer working at NHS Grampian. Kirsten started her NHS career as a Modern Apprentice.

Kirsten's story

How did you find out about the Modern Apprenticeship programme at NHS Grampian?

After school, I attended Robert Gordon's University for 2 years and studied for a marketing degree. At the same time, I also worked in a bar to pay my bills. However, the covid pandemic happened, and I sadly lost my job due to redundancy.

I saw the Modern Apprenticeship for NHS Grampian on Facebook. It appealed to me because I'd be earning and learning on the job, and it would also provide me with financial stability.

The apprenticeship also offered a lot of variety and opportunities to work throughout all the departments within NHS Grampian.

Tell us about your Modern Apprenticeship experience in the NHS

My apprenticeship was based within the payroll department. Sometimes it was a struggle to prioritise study time. However, my manager set aside one hour a week to allow me to study and gave me the needed support. I also created training notes to help me study, which allowed my coursework to become a little bit easier.

What impact has the Modern Apprenticeship had on your career?

Doing the Modern Apprenticeship programme in the NHS helped me finally decide what I wanted to do as a career. Not only that, but it's also let me gain a lot more confidence. I now have a permanent position within the HR service centre at NHS Grampian, and there are many more opportunities for my career to progress.

Tell us about your new role.

Within the HR service centre, we use Excel, Access, and Teams to test data and communicate with colleagues across NHS Grampian. My favourite thing about my job is the gratification and pride I get in my everyday work. Not only that, but I also get a lot of support from others and guidance. Creativity is essential within my role. I'm always trying new ways to process data more efficiently and effectively.

Would you recommend a Modern Apprenticeship to others?

I'd recommend a Modern Apprenticeship because the NHS provides support, stability and guidance as you learn and grow. Also, opportunities are gained from hard work, confidence and determination.