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Too Many to Count is the first study in the United Kingdom to explore the prevalence of brain injury in domestic abuse survivors accessing community-based services.
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Home > News > “All the hard work is worth it!” – Anne tells us about her apprenticeship
On Monday, we shared some information about what our apprenticeships entail. We also heard from Carla and Julie about their apprenticeships at Brainkind, and what they’ve gained.
Anne Pliener, General Therapy Assistant at our Daniel Yorath House service, is currently in the final year of a three-year Level 6 Occupational Therapist (OT) apprenticeship. Anne told us how her studies have been going, and how she’s fitted it all in alongside her day to day role – and why the hard work has all been worthwhile.
“Overall, it has been an amazing experience, although at times very challenging! I’ve had to juggle full time work, studying, placements and family life, which at times has been a bit of a struggle!
“It has been much harder than I thought it ever could be – but it has also been so incredibly rewarding and I’m so glad I was accepted onto the programme. I’ve met some fabulous people – fellow apprentices, staff, patients – and I can’t believe how much I’ve learnt.
“It’s incredible to think how much I’ve learnt in different placements. I have felt privileged to work in different areas, especially forensic mental health. The apprenticeship has given me so much confidence as an emerging OT, and I’m really excited to qualify.
“As an older student, I’ve also had to update my technology skills alongside developing my OT knowledge and clinical reasoning. It’s been incredible to experience first-hand how adaptable the brain really is – even my old brain!
“I think the apprenticeship route is a fantastic way to develop skills, gain experience across a wide range of settings through placements, and qualify as an occupational therapist – all while remaining in employment and avoiding student debt.
“Being an apprentice does mean having less time to complete the same academic workload as full-time students, which can be tough. However, all the hard work is worth it!!
“Thank you for the support throughout this journey – especially to my amazing and most wonderful mentor Sam Watts, the clinical team, the admin team, Rehabilitation Support Workers, housekeeping, the kitchen team – in fact every single member of staff.”
Would you like to find out more about working at Brainkind? Visit our Careers page.
