Northumbria Primary Care (NPC) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, by reflecting on the career journey of Rachel Hall at its NPC Spring Terrace GP practice.

Rachel’s progression from an apprenticeship into a clinical role highlights the development opportunities that apprenticeships bring.

Rachel joined NPC Spring Terrace as a reception apprentice ten years ago. After progressing into a permanent role, she developed a strong interest in patient care, inspired by the impact of the nursing and clinical teams around here. This experience led her to pursue a move from the non-clinical workforce into a patient-facing role.

Rachel sought and completed additional training with the practice matron, including phlebotomy, supporting several clinics, and shadowing teams across NPC sites, including NPC Ponteland and NPC Park Parade. Rachel then moved into a healthcare assistant (HCA) role, later completing an expanding clinical skills course for HCAs at Teesside University.

Following several years in the HCA role, Rachel has continued to progress her development and was accepted onto the Nursing Associate programme at BPP University (London), supported by NPC. Since completing the programme, she has accepted a nursing associate role at NPC Spring Terrace and is currently awaiting formal transition into post.

Rachel said:

“I started at NPC Spring Terrace as a reception apprentice and never imagined how far my career would progress. Being part of a practice team helped me find a real passion for patient care, and I knew I wanted to move into a role where I could make a direct difference to people every day.

NPC has supported me to learn, train, and keep pushing myself. From developing clinical skills like phlebotomy, to building my confidence through shadowing different sites and completing further study alongside work. I’m proud of the journey so far, and I’m excited for the next step into my nursing associate role, with the long-term ambition of becoming a nurse.”

Jane Weatherstone, director of primary care education at Northumbria Primary Care, said:

“Rachel’s journey is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through determination and the right support. We’re incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished, and we’re delighted to see her progressing into her nursing associate role.

At NPC, we want people to feel they can build a long-term career. Whether they start with an apprenticeship, move into clinical roles, or continue into further qualifications. Rachel is a real credit to her team and an inspiration to others who want to grow in healthcare.”