National Apprenticeship Week 2025: Chloe’s Cumbria apprenticeship success

Chloe studied an assistant practitioner degree with the university in 2019, qualifying in 2021, before suffering a serious accident which delayed Chloe’s continuing studies.

Showing great resilience, she was able to reignite her studies, completing a top up degree in nursing to become a qualified, registered nurse in January 2024.

Excited about the future Chloe believes that the creation of a university campus in her home town of Barrow is important for those, like her, who want to work in different industries and who want to option to learn and grow in other roles if they wish.

Chloe said:

“The university’s Barrow campus development is very beneficial for those who want to learn closer to home or those who have other commitments, such as family. This will improve nursing and other career opportunities for people in Barrow and the surrounding areas. It allows individuals to excel in their career in their hometown which is an amazing opportunity for not only them, but also businesses and employers.”

Degree apprenticeships open up higher level education opportunities across many sectors. They give learners the opportunity to upskill in their current workplace or reskill into another profession. Chloe’s apprenticeship gave her the opportunity to experience different areas of nursing, to learn different clinical and non-clinical skills.

Recently she has been promoted to senior nurse.

“I was able to work and do my apprenticeship which allowed management to watch me develop from a healthcare assistant, to a student, and then qualify and become confident within my role to be able to offer me a promotion.

“I have had many opportunities throughout my apprenticeship, one being nominated for the NHS awards for perseverance, by my workplace and my university. I was delighted to win the award.”

Chloe chose to go into nursing driven by her passion to make a difference to other people’s lives. Initially a committed healthcare assistant, Chloe upskilled in the workplace through the university apprenticeship programme and was sponsored by Risedale Estates, where she continues to work as a registered nurse.

Chloe said:

“This was an amazing opportunity which has allowed me to learn new skills and explore new experiences in one go. The apprenticeship route was an exceptional opportunity I could not turn down – working in and learning about a job I have had a passion for.

“I have learned a variety of skills which I have continued to improve and adapt throughout and after my apprenticeship, allowing me to continue to progress in my career. The skills developed through my apprenticeship were wide-ranging and shaped through both placements and university, allowing me to take these clinical skills into practise, enabling me to become a more competent nurse.

“In addition, my communication skills also improved and I’ve been able to take into practice for my residents and their loved ones, supporting families. I have also developed many academic skills as a learner at University of Cumbria. I was initially worried about this as it was my first time having to write academically but with unconditional support this challenge was met.”

Pro Vice Chancellor (Growth and Development) Claire Aindow said,

“Chloe epitomises the purpose of our university and the importance of our apprenticeship provision. The opportunities presented to Chloe which she explored, coupled with her hard work and determination and the support of the academic and professional services teams at the university, have allowed her to be recognised at work, now contributing to the success of her service as senior nurse.

“Reskilling and upskilling our graduates in the workplace is vital in our mission to support workforce demands across the country and for our graduates to feel equipped to go into their chosen place of work with the practical skills they need.”

ENDS