Two Journeys, One Truth: How Apprenticeships Build Skills for Life at Nurseplus
If you strip an apprenticeship back to its core, it’s not just about qualifications. It’s about confidence. Identity. Learning how to exist, and thrive, in the working world.
At Nurseplus, apprenticeships have been quietly shaping lives behind the scenes. Paris and Kayleigh, both part of Nurseplus support network, took very different routes into their apprenticeships, but what they gained tells a surprisingly shared story. We sat down with them for a conversation that felt less like a formal interview and more like an eye-opening chat over coffee. Honest. Reflective. Unfiltered.
Here's what they both had to say about their own apprenticeship experiences and the skills for life that they have developed along the way.
On Taking the Leap
For Paris, the decision to enrol in an apprenticeship came from a desire to expand, personally, not just professionally.
“I wanted more life experience,” she says. “I didn’t want to stay doing the only thing I’d ever known. I wanted to move up, try something brand new.”
Kayleigh’s motivation was more targeted, but just as intentional.
“I wanted to progress in my role,” she explains. “I loved that I could earn while I learned, and I really wanted to build my confidence as a manager.”
Different starting points. Same instinct and outcomes: growth.
What “Skills for Life” Really Means
When you ask Paris what skills for life actually looks like, she doesn’t hesitate.
“Socialising,” she says honestly. “Mixing with people of all ages and life experiences, people I would never have crossed paths with outside work.”
She pauses, then chooses to add something quieter but with a powerful message.
“I had really bad social anxiety when I started. But getting to know people, learning their personalities, it brought me out of my shell.”
For Kayleigh, skills for life showed up in structure.
“Time management, balance, delegation,” she says. “Learning how to manage work, studying and personal life without burning out.”
Two definitions. Both essential and both deeply human.
Learning While Doing
Neither describe their apprenticeship as a separate “extra”, it was woven into their everyday roles.
“A lot of my work tasks matched what I needed for my apprenticeship,” Paris explains. “It made learning feel natural, not forced.”
Kayleigh found her rhythm in microlearning.
“I learned in breaks, spare moments,” she says. “It taught me how to use time intentionally. A skill I still rely on now.”
Confidence, Rewritten.
Confidence comes up again and again, but not the loud, performative kind. The quiet kind that settles in.
“My apprenticeship helped me see that I am good at what I do,” Paris says. “That people appreciate me. That I have the ability to go far in life, no matter what anyone tries to say.”
Kayleigh describes confidence as something that grew through support.
“It gave me a structured environment to move from learning to doing,” she says. “I gained real self-assurance as a manager.”
Seeing Yourself Differently
Both women talk about a shift in how they see themselves at work.
“I stopped seeing myself as someone being trained up just to move on,” Paris reflects. “I realised I add value. I make a difference to a team.”
For Kayleigh, the shift was about resilience.
“I learned that setbacks aren’t failures,” she says. “They’re opportunities to build competence and strength.”
The Unexpected Changes
Some transformations surprised even them.
“I became more professional,” Paris says. “Better timekeeping. Accountability. Owning both what goes right and what doesn’t.”
Kayleigh points to delegation, something she once struggled with.
“My confidence grew enough to trust others,” she says. “That changed how I lead.”
Juggling It All, Without Losing Yourself
Balance wasn’t about perfection; it was about boundaries.
“I learned to juggle work, education and life, and still take time for myself,” Paris says. “I don’t feel constantly behind anymore.”
Kayleigh agrees.
“Clear boundaries, structure, protecting my energy, it stopped burnout before it started.”
Advice, From Experience
Paris keeps it simple.
“It’s always worth a try,” she says. “Even if you decide it’s not for you, it could be the best thing that happens.”
Kayleigh’s advice is practical.
“Talk to the training provider,” she says. “Find what aligns with your goals. I wanted to be a manager, leadership and management was right for me.”
Looking Back, and Forward
Today, Paris describes herself as happier, more confident, and proud.
“I still struggle sometimes,” she admits. “But I’m doing a job I enjoy, I’ve made amazing friends, and I have every reason to be proud.”
Kayleigh reflects with quiet certainty.
“My apprenticeship gave me the skills to be the manager I’ve been for five years,” she says. “It helped me lead a successful team and branch.”
If You Had to Say It in One Sentence?
Paris smiles.
“It’s been life-changing, for the best.”
Kayleigh doesn’t hesitate.
“It gave me the foundations for a career I’m truly passionate about.”
And maybe that’s the real takeaway. Apprenticeships don’t just build careers. They build people.
Continuous learning and development is encouraged at Nurseplus, we want our staff to thrive in their careers and take every opportunity to develop skills that will last a lifetime.
Nurseplus staff can find out more about Leadership Apprenticeships provided Babington.
Or, if you are currently a care worker with Nurseplus, you can register your interest in apprenticeships here.
Posted on February 11, 2026 by Nurseplus