A GRADUATE who “always struggled academically” has hailed a life changing apprenticeship which he embarked on during the toughest of times.

This week is National Apprenticeship Week when apprenticeships are highlighted as alternative way for people to get the qualifications and experience they need to fulfil their dreams.

One of those who followed this route was Lewis Reed.

When Lewis completed his diploma in health and social care at the University of Essex at the end of 2016, he says he thought that was it for him.

The 33-year-old had been working at Colchester Hospital for nine years as a healthcare assistant in the orthopaedic and trauma departments but dreamt of becoming a nurse.

But he says he has always struggled academically and found this side of things when it came to trying to achieve his dream role to be too daunting.

Graduate - Lewis Reed, 33, always dreamt of becoming an nurse

Graduate - Lewis Reed, 33, always dreamt of becoming an nurse

However, inspired by his ward manager, he was pushed towards taking on an apprentice assistant practitioner role and decided to take the plunge.

The start of his foundation degree here did not get off to the best start as he failed a few of the early assignments and his tutor suggested he took a test to see if he had dyslexia.

“It was something I always thought I had but had never been diagnosed,” said Mr Reed.

“In practise, my dyslexia has never stopped me from doing well. I like to think I am good at my job, it was more the academic side of things.

“I was so proud of myself to get a merit at the end of my Foundation Degree.

“I had to then decide if I was happy to stay as an assistant practitioner or attempt to do a nurse degree apprenticeship.

“The tutors at Essex were very encouraging, and I got on the course.

“However, I knew it was going to be a challenge...another two years of training as well as placements alongside my job as an assistant practitioner, attending university in week blocks, and trying to balance a social life but I was quite determined by this point.

“I think the hardest part of those two years was undoubtedly the Covid-19 pandemic, obviously it changed everyone’s lives.

“My placements were probably the most enjoyable part of the apprenticeship.

“Just before lockdown in January 2020, I did my placement in the accident and emergency department.

“My final management placement was 12 weeks in the vascular unit.

“It was very tough but enjoyable. I felt I got on well with the team and got a lot more confident within myself as a nurse.

“It’s a strange feeling at the end when somebody signs you off as a competent nurse.

“So, after four years of hard work, I finally achieved something I never thought was possible.

“I am now working as a staff nurse on the unit I have worked in for 13 years.

“It’s not easy at the best of times, but if you stick to your values you can get through it.”