National Apprenticeship Week: Daisy Oakes talks about why she chose to become an apprentice at DPT

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in News on 5th March, 2018

It’s National Apprenticeship Week and we’ve been speaking to Daisy Oakes, Communications Assistant Apprentice. Daisy joined the Communications Team recently and shares her story about what made her choose the apprenticeship route with Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

“I’m in my fourth week as an apprentice at DPT and so far so good!

“I have joined as a Communications Assistant Apprentice working at Wonford House, alongside the lovely Communications Team. 
 
“My role is really varied and involves anything from helping Sarah Williams, Digital Communications Lead, to monitor the Trust’s social media channels and writing content for them, to producing leaflets and writing for the website, or helping out at events.

“I was initially attracted to the job because of my love for writing, as well as my interest in digital marketing. It felt really exciting to see an opportunity for a job that I had a genuine interest in, where they were looking for someone with energy and interest instead of prioritising qualifications. However, I also really valued the chance to be able to gain further qualifications whilst being able to learn on the job and get valuable, first-hand experience. 
 
“Throughout my life I have had lived experience with mental illness both personally and within my family. It is something I am hugely passionate about, so having the chance to speak out about breaking the stigma and promoting getting help when you need it was something that I really wanted to be involved in. Immediately, I knew I really wanted the job!
 
“My first month has been brilliant - busy, but brilliant! 
 
“I am studying to gain a Diploma in Level 3 Business Administration. Within my first week, I met with the apprenticeship provider who helped me with choosing my modules, making sure they suited my job role and that they were relevant. We will now be having monthly meetings to check my progress, whilst I work through the apprenticeship. The provider comes to work with me here at Wonford House, which means I don't have to travel to a college to have my training and can work flexibly. 

“My manager Sharon Berkhout has been really supportive and helpful in making me feel at home at DPT and by allocating me a day a week to work on my apprenticeship modules. Whilst I can’t give you much information on the qualification itself as I am only just beginning, I know that I will be fully supported by my team - their biggest piece of advice to me upon starting was “if you don’t know something, never be afraid to ask!” I can’t wait to learn so much more, as well as getting a qualification under my belt.
 
“I have been fully included in all the activities of the team - from going to digital marketing conferences to attending events to represent the Trust. It was apparent from my first day that DPT is a lovely place to work, with everyone making me feel welcome from the get-go. However, last week made that even clearer. With ‘The Beast from the East’ causing havoc, amazing members of staff all over Devon were going the extra mile; sleeping in hospitals, working back-to-back shifts and remaining positive throughout the whole situation. It is so lovely to work for an organisation so patient-focussed and positive! 

I would recommend DPT as a place to do an apprenticeship for anyone with an interest in mental health and a desire to learn.” 
 
During National Apprenticeship Week Daisy will be at two events, helping to promote apprenticeships at Devon Partnership NHS Trust. You can follow updates from Daisy on Twitter - @DaisyKOakes.