Helen Mingaye, IT and Administration Manager

"Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money while you are learning and gain real and valuable experience of work."

When she left college at 18 Helen Mingaye knew she wanted a job with an opportunity for career development. She also didn't want to commit to being a long-term student and worried about this option leading to debts.

"I saw an opportunity advertised at Long Stratton Medical Partnership for a new apprentice. I got the chance to work and study something which was relevant to the job. I did an NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration, then a Level 3 in the same subject and then a Level 4. I went on to do a Level 5 in Leadership and Management and have now started a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship through a local university (Anglia Ruskin).

"As I progressed through the apprenticeships, the GPs, practice manager and surgery staff have been really supportive and recognised that I wanted to develop my career. I originally started as a receptionist and secretary, but as I got the qualifications I was promoted to IT and Administration Manager and I am keen to continue progressing.

"I didn't really know what I wanted to do when I finished college, but I knew that I didn't want to study full-time. I wanted development opportunities and apprenticeships with NCLS were perfect for me. They offered the chance to study, work and develop, with some of the work being knowledge-based and some being evidence based of my day-to-day work in the practice. Doing the apprenticeship also meant that I could put my learning into action with projects to benefit the practice. One of the projects I planned and implemented in the practice was the medication delivery service. Volunteers now deliver medication to elderly, vulnerable patients who live in rural areas and are unable to get to the surgery.

"If you want to be in education as well as working, then apprenticeships present the ideal opportunity to do both. I have managed to get all of these qualifications but without any debt and with a supportive employer and structured apprenticeships."

From the employer's point of view

Keith Burnett, Practice Manager at Long Stratton Medical Partnership, said the practice had been involved in an apprenticeship programme for nine years and this had brought a huge amount of success.

"Bringing in new talent, fresh ideas and watching the apprentices develop over a 14-month period is fantastic. We have taken on five apprentices into permanent positions, some of whom have gone on to higher level qualifications. We have also helped our most recent dispensary apprentice secure a full time permanent dispenser role in a local surgery.

"It is a win/win situation - great people who are keen to develop, and a great environment with high support and challenge for them to grow within.

"I would 100% encourage all employers to engage in the modern apprenticeship scheme - you can't lose!"