OU Nursing Apprentice shares journey with All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships

Anthony, a Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice at The Open University, has shared his story of progression with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Apprenticeships.

The online APPG on Apprenticeships session, held on 20 October, focused on the importance of degree apprenticeships. Anthony was put forward to share the impact of his learning and the career progression he has experienced from studying his Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship with the OU.

After leaving school with GCSEs all below grade C level, Anthony started working part-time as a Healthcare Assistant at the Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust whilst at the same time working in fashion retail. Mentors and managers identified the potential talent in him, encouraging him to explore various avenues to grow and develop within his role.

Anthony says, “I didn’t do too well at school. However, a couple of nurses saw the potential in myself to upskill and pushed me into realising my own potential, and then I took on the post of Apprentice student. When I qualify as a registered nurse, that’s going to be a very proud moment because there’s no more fulfilling job than helping people.”

Now coming to the end of year two of his Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, Anthony continues to work within child and adolescent mental health services. His journey into nursing demonstrates a great example of social mobility in action.

Speaking at the APPG on Apprenticeships session, Anthony was able to demonstrate to policy-makers, MPs and Peers the importance of social mobility and progression at any age. Following the meeting, The Chair, Richard Holden MP, Tweeted:

Really fantastic to be able to chair today’s @ApprenticeAPPG - it was great to hear about some of the first rate practice in the sector. https://t.co/eL7Q7N7oQz
— Richard Holden MP (@RicHolden) October 20, 2020