Applications for healthcare and nursing associate apprenticeships have doubled in the past two years at Bournemouth & Poole College.

And since March last year, 50 students have completed their apprenticeships to become fully qualified healthcare professionals.

All were working full-time throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, having started their courses just months before the global crisis began.

Bekki Burgess, Apprenticeship Delivery Manager, said: “It’s been wonderful knowing that Covid-19 hasn’t slowed down applications for these vital courses.

“After such an intense period for healthcare workers up and down the country, it’s amazing to see people aren’t deterred and want to help people in need now more than ever.

“Our students have done such an incredible job throughout the pandemic and they should feel immensely proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Some of the students completing their apprenticeships faced their own personal challenges to carry on working throughout the pandemic.

It included moving out of their family homes to finish their courses.

Liz Brown, a Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprentice based in Shaftesbury Community Hospital, worked within the community as a Rehabilitation Assistant while completing her course.

The 58-year-old moved into a caravan during the peak of the pandemic to protect her vulnerable husband who was shielding.

Liz said: “I have always loved being thoroughly challenged in all my job roles and this apprenticeship has been a worthy distraction during such a difficult period.

“I love working with and helping people and it’s been incredible seeing the positive progress patients make while working with them and beyond.

“The positive feedback I’ve received has given me such a sense of achievement, and I’ve loved immersing myself in this role.”

The healthcare and nursing associate apprenticeships are based at the North Road site of The College.

They go up to a level five and are available for any students over the age of 18.

The placements are based at Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and Dorset County Hospitals.

For more information about applying to the College and the available start dates, please contact: burgessr@bpc.ac.uk.

To learn more about Bournemouth & Poole College, please visit: thecollege.co.uk