Case studies

East London NHS Federation Trust 

East London NHS Federation Trust (ELFT) offers mental health, community health and primary care services across East London, Luton and Bedforshire. It employs over 6,000 people and has 200 apprentices.

Watch the video below to meet three of ELFT's podiatry apprentices:

• Phoebe Edwards, who wants to gain clinical skills while learning and earning, and hopes to specialise in future in diabetes or musculorskeletal podiatry
• Hariet Akinrinade, a former podiatry assistant who sees the apprenticeship as a means of advancing her career, enabling her to do more and help more people
• Lucy Beaumont, who is keen to develop her clincal skills further, as well as leadership and management skills, to enable her to help lots of different people in different areas.

Citation for ELFT podiatry apprentices

In the recent Stars of the Future Awards, Phoebe and Lucy received the following citation:

“These colleagues have demonstrated inspirational qualities going above and beyond all expectations of their role. 

They have embodied professionalism through presenting at regional and national meetings, acting as ambassadors in their profession, supporting and attending local and online events and inspiring the future generation through their commitment to co-production work.”

Hasina Aziz:  Clinical lead podiatrist, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, East Staffordshire

Hannah Thornton: Podiatry apprentice

Please tell us a little bit about the service and team where you work

I was one of the first apprenticeships for podiatry in 2019, with Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT). I am now a new graduate still working for HDFT continuing in the Scarborough area.

At the beginning of my apprenticeship, I shadowed a lot of other podiatrists and helped in the lab alongside the technicians, gaining some great experience making insoles. I didn’t start my own clinics until I had passed and received my first year (foot care) certificate.

As one of the first apprentices it was very much trial and error throughout for both the Trust and the university: it had not been done before and it was all a learning platform for us all.

When I began my own unsupervised clinics, it covered the foot care assistant role. But when supervised and shadowing, I observed and treated high risk patients, mostly with active ulcerations. I also gained a lot of shadowing experience within the biomechanical team. The whole team at Scarborough were fantastic throughout my university degree, and just as supportive to me as a new graduate.

Why did you consider an apprenticeship in podiatry?

I had already been offered a place at the University of Huddersfield but then the apprenticeship became available which allowed me to study and commute instead of having to move me and my family away. The apprenticeship also gave me an income, and the degree was paid for, which meant I had no student loan to pay back.

How did you get started?

From the age of about nine I knew I wanted to be a podiatrist. Leaving school, I continued through college hoping to do podiatry at university, but  unfortunately my path to university changed. Ten years later, after having a family, I decided it was now my time to pursue the career I always wanted.

Tell us about the benefits of being an apprentice?

• Support through colleagues who are already podiatrists/specialists, even if it's study/work or personally related
• Being in the workplace enables more hands-on practice
• You already know your colleagues before graduating.

Top tips for future apprenticeships

• Ask questions
• Be prepared and be organised
• Be aware that university and the workplace are different environments and learning spaces.

David Piper, podiatrist, and Emily Piper, apprentice at the Exeter Clinic, Exeter, Devon.

In David's words

Please tell us a little bit about your practice

We are in a practice of 2000sq ft and are currently have seven team members, including three full time podiatrists and two podiatry apprentices. We see a wide range of cases and pride ourselves on offering the most up-to-date treatments and assessments including Swift, Lunula, K Laser, RSWT, Run3D with 3D additive and traditional methods of bespoke orthotic manufacture.

Why did you consider an apprentice?

We considered the apprenticeship as a long-term approach to the increasing challenges associated with recruiting and training within podiatry. We believe that apprenticeships can offer a number of benefits to both parties, by developing the knowledge required through the University of Plymouth and the practical skills through our clinic and student placements. The apprentice can also develop valuable business, leadership skills and knowledge that are the foundations of a successful and effective podiatry clinic.

We are very lucky as a private practice to have three podiatrists who can assume the role of educator, providing security for the apprentice should one of us be unavailable. We have had to restructure the diary to accommodate leave for lectures and study days, although once it was set up and the receptionist was onboard with the new rota, things flowed smoothly. There is additional demand on the clinical educator, which has been managed by providing additional time in the diary to help with this. All our team members are very committed, and much work has been done outside of clinic by those involved to help things run smoothly. The initial completion of application paperwork and forms is involved but not too onerous. Funding is available for most of the cost of the course with the employer making up the balance, in addition to the salary that the apprentice receives. There is a learning curve getting accustomed to the online resources that are used by the University, the apprentice, and the employer to plan activities, upload assignments and track progress.

How did you get started?

I originally heard about the apprenticeship scheme at a Devon area branch meeting when Phil Hendy from University of Plymouth presented the early concept of what is now the apprenticeship. I was initially sceptical aboout ow this might work within a private practice, but kept an eye on what was developing. I was approached to see if I would like to be part of the apprenticeship steering group and found this informative as well as providing a voice for private practice.

Our first apprentice is our daughter Emily, who had already completed a three-year BSc in Sport Science in July 2021, and originally wanted to pursue further studies and a career in physiotherapy. Emily spent a few weeks in early 2021 observing in our podiatry clinic and learning more about the benefits of doing an apprenticeship. She enjoys challenging herself and decided that a career in podiatry had much to offer. She started her two-year podiatry MSc with the Exeter Clinic in September of 2021.

Our second apprentice joined us through a different route, having contacted us several years prior. As a Foot Health Practitioner, Jess reached out to see if we could assist with a patient and I was surprised and disappointed to hear she had not had a great response when she had asked for help elsewhere. Rather than just accepting a referral from Jess I arranged to have an informal meeting over coffee to see what else we could do to assist. We kept in touch and when our first apprentice Emily started, and we could see the benefits for all concerned, I reached out to see if Jess would be interested in joining us as an apprentice. It turned out that Jess had long wanted to develop her skills and knowledge and become a podiatrist but did not realise there was a pathway that allowed her to earn and learn at the same time. She was quick to respond and is now a valued member of the team in her first year of her BSc.

Tell us about the benefits of employing an apprentice?

The benefits of employing an apprentice stem from the culture and team building that are core from day one. We believe that everything matters, and the way we do anything is the way we do everything. To train and qualify as a podiatrist is only part of the journey and it’s essential for the patients, the clinic, and the team that we all have a common set of values. These are instilled at every patient contact and interaction and ultimately help us to develop a great team.

The apprenticeship model has worked very well for Emily. Now Jess is on that journey too, she is helping patients daily and is improving her skills and knowledge, starting the journey to her long-term goal of becoming a podiatrist. The enthusiasm and energy she delivers is great because she has a vested interest in the success of her apprenticeship through the clinic.

Top tips for employers wanting to employ apprentices

Take a long-term view of apprenticeship, and don’t just focus on the immediate time and monetary cost. The benefits to your clinic, patients and team can make it well worth the time and energy. Do some research into what is required and be flexible in your approach to managing the diary. Plan ahead so you have time to complete the applications and paperwork required. Think outside the box – maybe you have a patient or a contact who is already a medical professional that has expressed an interest in or fascination with podiatry. They may be unaware they can earn and learn, providing opportunities for both of you.

Consider what you can offer an apprentice. It will pay dividends time and again. Jess has been able to join a friendly and welcoming team rather than working alone, has seen an improvement in salary with the potential for significant progression as well as enjoying other benefits of being employed, including paid holidays, sick pay, employer pension contributions, and training for, and access to, equipment and services that were previously out of reach. She has her own clinical room that is hers to manage and arrange to meet her needs. She has access to regular team and individual support meetings as well as regular team meals out and team building events. Offering an apprentice great benefits, clarity, certainty, and structure creates confidence and commitment that will benefit the patients, and the employer.

In Emily's words

Tell us about the practice

I work in a five-chair private podiatry practice in the centre of Exeter. We offer a variety of treatment options for patients with a wide array of pathologies. No two days are ever the same, from routine care to state of the art 3D biomechanical assessments, to gold standard verrucae and onychomycosis treatments: each day is fast-paced and rewarding in its own right.

Why did you consider an apprenticeship in podiatry?

Podiatry is a profession I have always been aware of, having grown up around podiatrists in my family. I knew that I wanted a career where I was challenged and where no two days were the same. I had just finished my degree in sports and exercise sciences and knew that this knowledge would stand me in good stead for whatever career I chose, but I wanted to specialise. The opportunity of a podiatry apprenticeship arose which was perfect, as I would be able to immerse myself in my learning with continual hands-on experience and clinical development allowing me to hit the ground running when I graduate, all whilst getting paid!

How did you get started?

I was aware of podiatry apprenticeships before the program was made available through our family clinic. It wasn’t until I had finished my sports sciences degree that I considered using it in a different direction to what I had originally planned. I thought I was going to enter the world of physiotherapy. However, whenever I pictured my role, it was always in the capacity of helping patients with lower limb complaints. After spending a few weeks observing podiatry clinics I decided this would be my preferred career and the apprenticeship would be the best way for me to achieve this.

Tell us the benefits of being an apprentice in private practice?

There are many benefits to being an apprentice in a private podiatry practice. First and foremost is the variety of treatments that you can offer patients. This means being able to give patients the convenience of many treatment options under one roof when it comes to their care, in addition to external referrals. The range of care available has helped expand my knowledge and experience with ongoing developments in technology within healthcare. I love building relationships with patients and becoming invested in their care and wellbeing, seeing them on a regular basis, working together to achieve their goals. I also appreciate the benefits of being part of a close-knit team, unafraid to learn, support and develop together.

Top tips for future apprenticeships

Be organised. This is a fast-paced degree because you are working and studying full time. Having good organisational skills from the start will allow you to stay on top of work and studies. Being organised has meant I’m able to balance life outside of work with my studies and enjoy both. Sacrifices will have to be made in the short term in order to take full advantage of an apprenticeship in podiatry, but the benefits make it well worth the effort.

Jacki Turner: Podiatry degree apprentice