NHS Apprentice Mariam Bismillah is grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship to “learn and earn” while she starts her career at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

The Resourcing Apprentice started her role in August 2023 and is hoping to stay within the public sector as she progresses.

Mariam, 20, said: “I’ve been working on getting familiar with the recruitment processes within the NHS by shadowing and learning from other colleagues. I have been exposed to many different processes and am learning so much already.

“I have found myself aspiring to work in visas and immigration as the right to work checks have allowed me to understand the importance of this – not just in the NHS but in wider areas too.

“This apprenticeship is really helping me grow my confidence and has given me the ability to step into the working world and learn new skills whilst also getting paid too.

Mariam, of Walsall, also has opportunities to attend career events organised by the Trust. This allows her to build confidence and grow her communication skills with internal and external candidates.

Placement Lead, Heather Morris, has been supporting Mariam. She said: “In the short time that Mariam has been with us, she has become a valued member of the team. She is enthusiastic and actively contributes to the team’s objectives.

“NHS apprenticeships offer routes into many of the more than 350 NHS careers. Over a week, you’re likely to spend the equivalent of four days on work placement and one day at a training centre or college.”

Mariam hopes her story encourages people, regardless of their age, to be open to completing an apprenticeship or study.

Her message is: “You won’t regret it.”

To find out how to become an apprentice within the NHS or to see live vacancies within your area, visit Health Careers online: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/nhs-apprenticeships.