Life as an Apprentice at Sussex Partnership: How the Trust helps you launch your career.

When I first left university and was looking for my first way into my career, if you had suggested that an apprenticeship might be a good idea, I would have told you that they are a great place to start, but I wouldn't be able to pay my bills on one. That all changed when I started my apprenticeship at Sussex Partnership.

Firstly, while working through your apprenticeship, you are paid well or, as a current employee, get to keep the pay you're already on. This meant I could focus on my knowledge and career progression while keeping the bills from mounting.

During my apprenticeship, I never felt like I wasn't part of the team. In fact, I was responsible for projects I never thought I'd receive as an apprentice, which made me feel incredibly respected as a team member. In addition to this, while progressing through my apprenticeship, I wasn't forced to do coursework after my shift finished. My manager, and by extension, the Trust, encouraged me to pencil time into my calendar to do coursework and research during the work day rather than eating into my free time and evenings. I was also offered the chance to shadow a member of staff who was currently in the role I was studying and ask questions about anything I needed help with during my time as an apprentice.

Following on from this, once I had settled into my apprenticeship, I was offered the chance to join the Trusts Apprentice Support Group. Hosted via Zoom, the monthly meet-up aims to provide a place for all apprentices to meet and discuss their experiences and progress on their courses. The meetings also offer you a place to receive support from our apprenticeship team on any additional things you need.

Lastly, one of the biggest things I noticed was that anyone can take an apprenticeship, regardless of age or experience. Like many people, before I started working at SPFT, I was under the assumption that you had to be a fresh-faced graduate from school or college to be accepted into an apprenticeship. That changed when I joined, as I found people of all ages and levels working through apprenticeships to improve themselves. This continues even after you finish your apprenticeship, as SPFT offers a range of courses so you can always continue your professional development.

If you would like to know more about what Career pathways and development we offer at the Trust, click here.