Talking #TeamCWPT blog

Apprenticeships are more than qualification. At CWPT they empower our people to grow, lead and improve the care we provide. This National Apprenticeship Week, we're proud to shine a light on two colleagues who have taken different directions in their apprentice journeys. 

Mo Amjid, Assistant Practitioner, OP Courage 

Mo recently completed a foundation degree apprenticeship through CWPT with the University of Derby. He wanted to strengthen his theoretical knowledge and enhance the care he provides to veterans in OP Courage: The Midlands veterans' mental health and wellbeing service.

Taking a holistic approach to the care of each veteran is at the core of the service.

"As well as monitoring veterans mental and physical health, I support them with the wider determinants of health such as housing, employment, benefits and social support. The course gave me a better understanding of the links between mental and physical health, and the challenges faced by veterans."

It has helped Mo to better advocate for the people he supports, particularly when navigating complex challenges, and equipped him with skills in leadership and communication, as well as knowledge on rehabilitation and the benefits of health promotion. 

Balancing coursework, essays and practical assessments over 2 years, Mo credits the support of his manager and team for helping him to succeed.

"Overall, it was a challenging, demanding, but very rewarding experience." 

Mo is now applying his knowledge into the care he offers to veterans and looking forward to continuing to develop his career with CWPT.  

Heather Carter, Talent for Care Manager  

As Talent for Care Manager, Heather leads a team that helps people to access employability programmes, volunteering and career development opportunities at CWPT. Together, they have facilitated access to apprenticeships and opportunities for countless colleagues at CWPT, just like Mo. 

Always passionate about development, she is also an apprentice herself. 

Heather has already completed a Learning and Development Consultant apprenticeship and is now undertaking the Chartered Manager Degree apprenticeship. 

"I chose apprenticeships because they offer meaningful development that fits around my life and real work, rather than learning in isolation."

These opportunities have allowed her to learn and develop, whilst immediately bringing her new-found skills into her role and leadership, with fresh perspective, more clarity, and renewed confidence.  

"The experience has been demanding in a positive way. I have been supported through protected learning time, access to academic tutors, and regular discussions with my manager to connect theory to real organisational challenges. Being able to apply learning immediately to real Trust priorities has made it feel worthwhile and relevant. The impact has been significant. The learning has strengthened my career options while reinforcing my commitment to the NHS as a place where people can genuinely grow."

Heather and Mo's stories show the real impact that apprenticeships can have, not just on careers, but on the quality of care we deliver every day. 

This National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate all our apprentices, past and present. Thank you for your dedication, ambition and commitment to learning. 

Find out more about apprenticeships with #TeamCWPT.