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I was an HGV driver until an accident left me with an open fracture and a dislocated ankle.

During my time as a patient, I was impressed by everyone I met in hospital. It wasn’t just the doctors and nurses. The way all staff treated patients left a lasting impression on me.

After six months of recuperation and physiotherapy, while considering what I could do next, I was given the opportunity to become a Hospital Porter. I wasn’t sure whether my ankle would stand up to the demands of the role, but as it got stronger, the job became easier and I discovered that I loved portering.

Becoming a Healthcare Support Worker wasn’t actually my idea.  Toby, a former HCSW suggested I would be well suited to the role. At the time, I had little idea what the role involved, but once I looked into it, I immediately thought, “Yes, I could do that.”

I joined the Acute Medical Unit before moving to the Emergency Department. Since then, I’ve completed training in venepuncture, cannulation, plastering, minor wound care, eye irrigation, pH testing and the Care Certificate, which was probably the hardest part.

The most rewarding part of the role is making a difference to people’s lives. Sometimes doing something very small can make a huge difference to someone’s hospital experience. Offering a hot drink, taking the time to listen or helping someone get safely to their vehicle after discharge doesn’t sound like much, but it can make that person feel cared for and valued.

Being an HCSW is about being a team player, using your initiative and treating people with kindness and empathy. The more you put into the role, the more satisfaction you get from it. It can seem daunting, but if an ex-RAF logistician turned HGV driver can do it at 58, anyone can if they have the right people skills.

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I’ve worked in healthcare since I was 15, caring for children with additional needs, working in nursing homes and supporting people in the community.

Seeing the care my great aunt received in hospital, and being looked after by the NHS through three major operations, made me realise how much I missed the nursing side of being a Healthcare Support Worker and inspired me to join the NHS.

Since joining Worcestershire Royal Hospital, I’ve cared for patients with a wide range of needs, and no two days are ever the same. What I enjoy most is being able to make a real difference to someone’s experience and care.

During COVID-19, I realised I had this job for a reason. I was there to support some of the sickest patients, helping them through incredibly difficult times. Although it was challenging, it reminded me how important compassionate care can be.

There have been difficult days, but they taught me the importance of teamwork and asking for help when you need it. Now I come to work knowing I’ll play a small part in helping people get better.

Throughout my NHS career, I’ve worked across different departments, completed training in cannulation, nutrition and hydration, and become a dementia care advocate. Every experience has helped me grow in confidence and develop new skills.

If you’re thinking about becoming a Healthcare Support Worker, I’d say go for it. It’s a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to learn, develop and make a difference to people’s lives.

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My mum works for the NHS, so healthcare has always been part of my life. I was also born prematurely and received care myself, which inspired me to give something back and help people when they are at their most vulnerable.

I joined the Trust as a Healthcare Support Worker apprentice, and it gave me the opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience. With support from my colleagues, manager, the apprenticeship team and my family, I secured a permanent Healthcare Support Worker role in Trauma and Orthopaedics.

The most rewarding part of my role is knowing I’ve helped provide quality care and support to patients. Looking after people’s wellbeing and receiving appreciation from patients reminds me that the care I give really does make a difference.

I’m currently working towards my Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 apprenticeship and continuing to develop my skills. Becoming an HCSW was the first step in my healthcare career, and I’m excited to keep learning, progressing and reaching my full potential.

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I started as a Healthcare Support Worker apprentice and now work as a permanent Healthcare Support Worker in Kidderminster Outpatients.

When I started, I didn’t have a clear career plan, but I knew I wanted to work in care and gain real experience. The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to learn on the job, build my confidence and understand what it’s really like to work in a hospital environment.

Being an apprentice helped me develop valuable skills and knowledge while supporting patients every day. It also showed me the different opportunities and career pathways available within healthcare.

The most rewarding part of the role is the people. I’ve enjoyed building relationships with patients, having conversations and knowing I’ve helped make their day a little easier. Being able to support patients and provide care really means a lot to me.

A proud moment for me was achieving a distinction in my apprenticeship and then securing a permanent role within the Trust. It gave me the confidence to continue developing my career, and I’m now working towards becoming a Senior Healthcare Support Worker through a Level 3 apprenticeship.

If you’re thinking about becoming an apprentice Healthcare Support Worker, I’d definitely recommend it. It gives you real experience, helps you gain qualifications and opens the door to different career opportunities you may never have considered.

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I’ve always had a love for caring for people. From the age of 12, I volunteered in a care home where I developed a particular interest in supporting people living with dementia. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare.

I joined Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust as a Healthcare Support Worker apprentice straight from school. When I started, I didn’t have much confidence and everything felt new, but the support from my team helped me settle into the role, develop new skills and grow in confidence every day.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is how much communication matters. Patients can often feel vulnerable in hospital, so I always take time to introduce myself, build trust and help people feel comfortable. I believe a patient’s mental wellbeing is just as important as their physical wellbeing, and I try to make sure everyone receives safe, individualised and person-centred care.

Every day is different, and every day brings new opportunities to learn. My apprenticeship has helped me develop valuable skills and gain experience caring for patients with a wide range of needs. It has also opened my eyes to the many opportunities available within healthcare and strengthened my ambition to work with people living with dementia in the future.

Being shortlisted as a finalist in the NCFE Aspiration Awards Apprentice of the Year category was an incredible honour. Receiving positive feedback from patients and families, has shown me that compassionate care really does make a difference.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from my ward team. They have helped me every step of the way, encouraged me to learn from mistakes and given me the confidence to keep developing. Looking back, this apprenticeship has not only taught me new skills, it has helped shape my future career in healthcare.

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Apprenticeships opened doors for me. They gave me the opportunity to build my skills, grow in confidence and turn my ambition of becoming a nurse into a reality.

I joined Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust as a Healthcare Support Worker knowing that I wanted a career in nursing. Working on the front line gave me valuable hands-on experience, helped me develop my clinical skills and showed me the kind of nurse I wanted to become.

The support and development opportunities available through the Trust helped me take the next step in my career. I completed a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, gaining practical experience while continuing to work and learn alongside experienced colleagues.

The apprenticeship gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. It allowed me to build my knowledge, develop new skills and gain recognised qualifications, all while caring for patients and being part of a team.

After qualifying as a Nursing Associate, I continued my progression through a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship. The opportunity to learn on the job while studying meant I could continue developing both professionally and personally.

Today, I am proud to be a qualified Staff Nurse.

Looking back, the journey from Healthcare Support Worker to Staff Nurse has been challenging, rewarding and incredibly worthwhile. Along the way, I have been supported by colleagues, mentors and teams across the Trust who encouraged me to learn, grow and believe in my potential.

For anyone considering a career in healthcare, apprenticeships can be an excellent route. They provide real-life experience, professional qualifications and the opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a difference to patients every day.

 

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I’ve always known I wanted to be a nurse, but I wanted to experience healthcare from the front line first. Starting as a Healthcare Assistant gave me the confidence, skills and support I needed to take the next step towards a nursing career.

I joined Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust as a Healthcare Assistant in 2021 because I knew I wanted to become a nurse, but I wanted to see the role for myself before committing to a degree. Working on Laurel 1 Vascular gave me a real insight into patient care, and after just a few months I knew nursing was the career I wanted to pursue.

One of the things I love most about the role is being there for patients during some of the most important moments of their lives. Whether it’s supporting someone at the end of life, helping a patient regain confidence after an amputation, or simply taking the time to listen, it’s a privilege to be able to make a difference when people need it most. I love being a cheerleader and advocate for patients, helping them through difficult times and celebrating their progress.

A couple of years after joining the Trust, my son was born prematurely and spent time in NICU. Seeing healthcare from the patient’s side gave me an even greater appreciation of the kindness, compassion and support NHS staff provide every day. Returning to work after that experience strengthened my determination to continue my healthcare career and support other patients and families when they need it most.

One of the reasons I’ve been able to progress is the incredible support I’ve received from colleagues on the ward. My fellow HCAs, nurses and leaders have encouraged me throughout my career and supported me in pursuing my nursing apprenticeship through the Trust. Being able to work towards my nursing degree while earning a salary and gaining hands-on experience has been an amazing opportunity.

The support has gone beyond professional development too. I’ve always felt able to ask questions, seek advice and balance learning with work, knowing there are people around me who want me to succeed.

One moment that will always stay with me was a patient telling me they believed I would go far as a nurse because I took the time to explain their medications and reassure them when they felt worried. It was a small conversation at the end of a busy shift, but it reminded me why this career means so much to me.

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I worked in the care sector for many years, starting my career in nursing and residential homes, including services supporting people with challenging behaviours. During that time, I progressed into senior roles, including Senior Healthcare Assistant and Senior Shift Supervisor.

In 2019, I decided to take the next step in my career and joined the Emergency Department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. It was exactly the challenge I was looking for. Working alongside professionals from different backgrounds gave me the opportunity to develop a wide range of clinical skills, including taking patient observations, performing venepuncture, carrying out ECGs and applying temporary casts for patients with fractures.

Keen to continue learning, I explored new opportunities within the Trust and, in 2024, joined the Specialist Tissue Viability Team as a Healthcare Assistant. Since then, I have developed new skills in pressure ulcer assessment, improved my IT and administrative knowledge, and have been able to support the training and development of new Healthcare Support Workers by sharing my own experience.

Working alongside a highly supportive team of specialist nurses and a manager who continually encourages my professional development, I feel valued, supported and motivated to keep growing in my role.

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For many years, I never thought a career in healthcare was possible for me. I admired my aunt, who worked as an Auxiliary Nurse in Worcester, but I didn’t have qualifications and lacked the confidence to believe I could follow a similar path.

Everything changed when I cared for family members at the end of their lives. Those experiences showed me how much comfort, dignity and reassurance small acts of care can bring to patients and their families. They also made me realise that if I could care for the people I loved most, perhaps I could do the same for others.

At 39, I decided it was finally time to believe in myself. I enrolled on an Access to Healthcare course and completed my GCSEs in Maths and English. Going back into education after so many years was daunting, but I loved learning and was determined to prove to myself that I could do it.

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, I knew I didn’t want to wait to pursue a healthcare career. I applied for a Healthcare Assistant role at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and was fortunate enough to be offered a position.

From my very first day, I knew I had found where I belonged.

I loved the fast-paced environment, the teamwork and camaraderie, but most of all I loved caring for patients. Knowing that even the smallest gesture could make a difficult day a little easier confirmed that I had made the right decision.

After joining the Trust as a Healthcare Support Worker, I progressed onto a Nursing Associate apprenticeship before returning to the Surgical Assessment Unit as a qualified Nursing Associate. Determined to continue learning and developing, I then applied for a Registered Nurse top-up apprenticeship.

Now, just a few years after joining the Trust as a Healthcare Support Worker, I am preparing to qualify as a Band 5 Registered Nurse.

It hasn’t always been an easy path. Alongside my studies, I experienced personal loss and faced health challenges of my own. Throughout every stage of my journey, I was supported by colleagues, managers, university tutors and placement teams who believed in me and encouraged me to keep going.

The most rewarding part of my role is knowing that I can make a difference to someone’s day. Patients often arrive feeling frightened and vulnerable. If I can offer reassurance, kindness, dignity or simply make them smile, then I know I’ve made a positive impact. Sometimes it’s the smallest acts that mean the most.

I also hope my journey shows that it’s never too late to learn something new, follow your ambitions or change the direction of your life.

When I look back at the woman who once believed she wasn’t good enough because she didn’t have qualifications, I can hardly believe how far I’ve come. What once felt like an impossible dream is now becoming a reality, and I’m excited to continue learning, growing and making a difference throughout my career.