Hayley is developing a career in healthcare with an apprenticeship

Hayley McNulty, 20, an apprentice in Clinical Healthcare Support for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, lives in Barrow

Hayley hopes to be a qualified nurse in the future after completing her apprenticeship at Furness General Hospital.

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Hayley always knew she wanted to work in healthcare and an apprenticeship has given her a strong foundation for her chosen career.

“After school, I studied at Barrow Sixth Form College for two years,” she said. “I was considering studying midwifery at university but I didn’t feel ready to move away.

“I decided to apply for the apprenticeship as it gives you a great introduction to a career in healthcare. It’s helped me to work out what I want to do, and I’ve now got a place to study Adult Nursing at the University of Cumbria in September.

“The apprenticeship is Level 3 and accredited by Kendal College. I completed my college work in February and have done a bridging module to top up my knowledge ready for university.

“I’d advise others to apply for an apprenticeship in healthcare – it’s been brilliant. It can really help you decide what you want to do in future.”

Work

Hayley has gained valuable work experience at Furness General Hospital during her placements.

“I did 30 hours of work every week and completed four placements in two years,” she said. “I did a placement in theatre for six months, as well as the patient progression unit – a high dependency unit for surgical patients – and Ward 9.

“During my placement in theatre I got to watch operations, which was really interesting. It was really good to see what’s going on inside the body and helped me to gain a wider understanding.

“I tried to get the most out of each placement by using my own initiative and asking questions.

“I’ve always been treated as part of the team and all the staff I’ve worked with have been great and really supportive.”

“I’d like to be a qualified nurse in the future. On the medical wards, you get to build therapeutic relationships with patients and it’s really rewarding.”

Play

As well as building a promising career in Cumbria, Hayley enjoys her spare time in the area.

“I like going out for meals and I really enjoy going to The Lake District,” she said.

“I also go to a local running club, the Parkside Panthers, with my dad.

“In the future, I’d like to do some volunteer work abroad to experience something different, but I’d always come back.

“I’m really happy living and working in Cumbria.”

Click here to read about Hayley's colleague Becca's experience of an apprenticeship in Clinical Healthcare Support.