Saving lives in the NHS with a University of Bolton apprenticeship.

In the ever-changing world of healthcare, apprentices who change lives while ensuring vital NHS services run smoothly are so important. Danielle Watson, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degree Apprentice, is a shining example of how apprenticeship schemes can create skilled professionals committed to making a difference.

For the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, apprentices like Danielle are not just a solution to the ongoing recruitment challenges of engineering, but a pipeline of talent with stability for the longer term. “It’s difficult to recruit engineers at the moment, particularly in the last three or four years,” confessed Danielle’s employer Ryan Young. “Apprenticeships are a really good way of getting people in and getting them to stay after their training. I was an apprentice and this is my 20th year.” This long-term commitment both to training and the apprentices themselves means organisations like Christie NHS Trust are better equipped to maintain critical services and foster meaningful careers.

Danielle’s journey with the University of Bolton is a prime example of the kind of dedication to development Ryan talks about. By experiencing hands-on work at the Trust alongside her CEng-accredited degree, both her technical and practical skills progressed enough to meet strict industry competencies, with quarterly reviews involving supervisors and university representatives supporting her.

Her biggest contribution was still to come. “Radiotherapy is delivered with an accelerator,” she explains. “If a machine breaks, we’re on-site to fix them so the patients can continue to get their treatments on time.” One of Danielle’s creations, a fault-detection device for radiotherapy equipment, has since been adopted by other NHS Trusts. She is a glowing example of the tangible difference a skilled apprentice can make.

Bolton’s support extended to her personal circumstances too, particularly when Danielle was diagnosed with autism. “I can’t praise Bolton enough for how they supported Danielle through the diagnosis,” Ryan says. “Bolton arranged for support directly to get her a special tutor and adjustments to the endpoint assessment that was provided by a third-party company. The University was fantastic. It would have been a lot harder for Danielle if the University hadn’t provided those adjustments.”

The supportive learning environment Danielle enjoys has equipped her to excel in her field. She attributes much of her success to the mentorship and expertise of her team. “There’s so much knowledge in the team with a wide range of experience. Some for 40 years in the same job, some from the armed forces and others from apprenticeships before me. It’s so amazing to learn from them.”

Looking ahead, Danielle’s future seems bright, as the impact her work has had is recognised across the entire Christie NHS Trust. “She’s an exceptional engineer,” Ryan beams with pride. “I’ve already got plans for her future and jobs that I’d like for her to get promoted to.”

Her journey highlights the unique opportunity apprenticeships provide to forge a rewarding career, and you could be next to make a real difference. Talk to us at 01204 903 940, email admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk or visit our website to understand how Bolton can help you and dive into a career that rewards you with continuous learning and skills that last a lifetime.