Did you know that Livewell Southwest offers a wide range of apprenticeships for our workforce?
An apprenticeship is essentially a job with training – ‘earning whilst learning’. There is a study component (provided by a college or university) as well as on the job training, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
Apprenticeships offer a variety of qualifications for all our workforce, both clinical or non-clinical. Apprenticeships can often be used to fill vacancies within our teams with the possibility of offering a development role to support with gaining competencies within roles.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, Lucy Smith, Fay Churchward, Zoe Lloyd and Shona Cornish shared their experiences of completing an apprenticeship at Livewell.
Lucy Smith, Level 3 Business Administration
“I previously completed my Business Admin Level 2 in my previous job. After this, I decided I wanted to complete another qualification but wasn’t sure which one would be for me. I found out that the Business Admin Level 3 through Lifetime Training would allow me to cover all the bases of admin, team leading, projects and much more. It would also allow me to progress further in my career.
“Business Admin Level 3 is quite a long course. However, as I was allowed 20% off-the-job training every week, it meant I got protected time to solely focus on the apprenticeship which made a huge difference to the quality of work produced.
“This apprenticeship allowed me to experience more within the workplace and experience how certain tasks are carried out that I wasn’t aware of before. It also allowed me to progress into higher roles to help me to develop my career – I’ve since become a service support manager within Livewell.
“I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship. They’re the best way to gain qualifications and get paid at the same time. Livewell have been incredibly supportive.”
Fay Churchward, Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager
“I was at a stage in my life where I needed a challenge and prove to myself that I was academically capable. At school, I was marked as having the potential but always had ‘must try harder’ at the end of school reviews. I joke I had a baby instead of going to university!
“My siblings had gained degrees (my sister aged 40), and both of my children and I felt a little inadequate. I self-funded and took an access course through the Open University, passed with a distinction, and wanted to continue that momentum.
“I went to the Learning and Organisational Development team and talked through options to see if I could get some funding through work and the Management and Leadership level 5 course was suggested as an alternative. Before I knew it, I was enrolled, and the course started.
“I am really enjoying the course and feel a lot of pride when I tell people about it. The content was very relevant to my previous role as a Business Support Manager but, having changed role part way through, the skills and learnings are transferrable and still compatible.
“The team, both here at Livewell and at South Devon College, have been very supportive and encouraging; they want me to succeed and have helped at every step.
“I feel very fortunate to be supported in my career goals and the investment Livewell are making in me. At times it can feel a really hard slog, but when your essay is returned as a pass, the feeling of accomplishment makes it all worthwhile. Studying and working is not easy, but with good time management it can be done, and I know the course is helping further my career.”
Zoe Lloyd, Level 6 Chartered Manager
“I had been working as a registered mental health nurse for Livewell for 22 years. Although I had a nursing diploma, my ambition was to achieve a degree to take the next step in my management career.
“I would never have been able to afford to give up work and return to university so the opportunity to complete the apprenticeship through South Devon College alongside my role was one I could not miss.
“Returning to academic study was initially a bit of a shock, however once I found a way of juggling work, university and home life, I really enjoyed the course. Having the opportunity to attend teaching outside of work was great, not only to meet new people from other services but also to develop my skills in different areas.
“The course provided me with a new skill set and the ability to take a wider strategic view on the service. I’ve gained confidence in my abilities as a manager and since completing the course, I have been successful in achieving a band 8a role within Livewell.
“I would absolutely recommend an apprenticeship at Livewell. I was always supported and given time when required to attend university and develop professionally. It’s an opportunity I would not have been able to access any other way and I’m grateful to Livewell for supporting me throughout.”
Shona Cornish, Level 7 Senior Leader
“Livewell were offering the Senior Leader Apprenticeship alongside the completion of an MSc in Health Leadership and Management, through the University of Exeter. I chose to complete this as it provided me with a platform to develop my current knowledge while being supported by the organisation for study.
“The benefits of virtual teaching meant less travel and time constraints with increased flexibility. Undertaking a course alongside the competing pressures of working full-time is certainly a challenge and the personal commitment to this should not be underestimated. However, much of the course work and assignments alongside theory-based learning aligned with the development of my skills and work role.
“The course has certainly developed my personal and leadership skills, helping me to understand the complexities of the system and the differing elements of leadership and change which can impact on care delivery. I’ve had feedback from people that they can see this in some of the work I am involved in.
“I am hopeful the academic qualification from the course will also support in professional acknowledgement for new roles. However, there is also a personal pride that I have been able to work and deliver at a more advanced level and can now concentrate on using these skills in practice.
“I feel privileged that Livewell has supported me to undertake this and recognised my talent in leadership and potential for growth.
“To get the best from the apprenticeship you need to ensure that you are fully supported in the additional off-the-job time and chase opportunities to experience other elements of the role outside of your comfort zone.
“We had a great cohort from Livewell who provided mentorship and support along the programme. This enabled us to explore the expectations and opportunities of the course and across the organisation together.”
If you’d like to find out more about an apprenticeship at Livewell Southwest, click here.
