Olivia Formoy has just begun her role as a health care support worker at Colchester Hospital after completing a BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care at Colchester Institute in May.
The 18-year-old from Layer de la Haye has shared her experience of the two-year course and her motivation for joining Team ESNEFT.
She said: “Having taken the BTEC I can say it was so valuable to have gained all the knowledge, skills and experience I did.
“It was quite a heavy course, split with two days on placement and then three days at college plus assignments.
“I had four placements: a six-week placement on Mersea Ward at Colchester Hospital, one in a care home, one in an adult day care centre and another in a nursery. They were all slightly different lengths but I learnt so much at all of them and enjoyed being able to develop my own skills each time.
“I had to complete coursework as well as three exams, one in the skills lab at Colchester Institute using the correct equipment.
“I learnt a lot of theory and how to do things correctly – like what PPE to use – but it really helped being in the hospital on placement to know I was doing it right.
“I feel so attached to caring and want to help brighten someone’s day who maybe in hospital or a care environment.
“I’m really looking forward to starting my new role and seeing where it takes me – I think I’d love to start an NHS nursing apprenticeship. The course helped me gain so much confidence.”
