Engagement officer Kerry Solomon is currently studying for a business and management degree with a level 6 apprenticeship. She started the course in September at Colchester Institute as part of her role. Kerry is one of many apprentices at ESNEFT and she’s shared what it means to her. The course is part of ESNEFT’s Future Leaders’ Programme.
She said: “My last formal qualifications were my A levels and I don’t want that to be a barrier to me progressing professionally. I want a career and this qualification is an opportunity to help make that happen.
“I see the future of my career in the NHS and hope to work as a project manager or in an area that involves developmental change. Working towards a degree through the apprenticeship will help get me there.
“Being a mum and parenting my two children has been at the forefront for the last few years, but I can focus more on me now. I’m driven and want to progress and look ahead to the future.
“I worked in retail, then for a charity before joining ESNEFT in 2023, so I have a range of experience and understand how different organisations function, so I see this business and management degree as a great way to focus that experience and develop my skills.
“I’m 40 years old – which is no age really – but I hope the different backgrounds where I’ve worked will help me as I’m used to spinning a lot of plates at the same time. My retail background has meant I have the skills for fast-paced work and if you fail, you fail quickly and move on.
“I study once a week at Colchester Institute and we’re already looking at managing business information which is really interesting.
“I’m loving learning and enjoying having one day dedicated to studying. I’ll have to complete two assignments for each module and there are two modules a term. It’s scary but that’s also exciting and the lecturers are great. I’m in a group of 12 people and that helps it feel very accessible.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in a job, I think partly as I’m able to take on this course. It’s made me work harder in my day-to-day role as an engagement officer and I want to give my best. I’ve been really lucky by how supportive my team has been doing this too.”
There is a variety of career development opportunities available at ESNEFT:
- You can find out more about apprenticeship opportunities on the ESNEFT website.
- Short-term work experience placements are available. Email workexperience@esneft.nhs.uk
- You can email our Talent For Care team talentforcare@esneft.nhs.ukto find out more about the opportunities at ESNEFT or to ask any questions about NHS careers.
- Job opportunities at ESNEFT are listed on the NHS job page.
Kerry is studying at Colchester Institute which offer a range of courses leading to health and social care careers.
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