Public Health Apprentice, Level 6
What made you choose this apprenticeship?
During A Levels, I thoroughly enjoyed Human Geography especially hazards which was all about protecting people and the environment, understanding risks such as infectious disease and natural events such as flooding.
At first, I wasn’t aware what Public Health was but as I learned more before my interviews, I began to see the cross-over between my prior knowledge and Public Health work.
What has your journey been like?
After receiving my A-level results, I knew I wanted to go onto further education, but I didn’t want the debt traditional university routes bring.
After taking a year out, I began applying for apprenticeships in summer 2024. Following several unsuccessful applications, I considered applying for a university course, until I came across the Bristol City Council careers page. This offered a huge number of opportunities as well as a varied selection from Level 3 all the way to Level 7 apprenticeships.
My first day was nerve-racking, but as soon as I met the Public Health team and other apprentices across the Council, I soon found my feet. The team works incredibly hard to provide us with opportunities such as being involved with our local community supporting Health Needs Assessments, Infection, Prevention and Control training as well as partnership working with other teams such as Environmental Health and Private Housing.
Although apprenticeships are sometimes seen as an ‘easy option’, I quickly realised that isn’t the case. Balancing a degree alongside working four days a week in the council and one day at university has been challenging at times. However, the more I pushed myself, the more I gained in return. I made new friends quickly and built a social life I had originally worried only a traditional university experience could offer as well as being supported unconditionally by my friends and colleagues.
Although an apprenticeship is not seen as a traditional route into earning a degree, I will graduate in 2027 as a Public Health Practitioner BSc (Hons) and be eligible to register on the United Kingdom Public Health Register (UKPHR) having gained invaluable experience, earned a living wage and no university debt at the end.
What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship?
There are hard moments which I have faced throughout the apprenticeship. I quickly learnt the challenges of living away from home and renting privately. This came with its own issues and pushed me to mature very quickly and understand more about how the world works. Despite this, my managers and team supported me throughout these harder times and gave up a lot of their own time to support me.
What have been some highlights of your apprenticeship?
I’ve had several highlights throughout my apprenticeship with many more to come. To name a few I’ve worked closely with colleagues and managers understanding decision making pathways, commissioning and funding. Being involved in high stake conversations has been incredibly eye opening as well as building my confidence and my capabilities. Working in real public health environments has given me invaluable experience.
As a result of being an apprentice in the council, I earnt a wage which meant I could move to a nicer private rental and live comfortably. This meant I could enjoy going out on weekends with friends as well as taking holidays providing a healthy work life balance. I believe if I did do a traditional university route, I wouldn’t have been able to have the opportunities, meet the people I have or the support I’ve received.
What life skills is your apprenticeship teaching you?
This apprenticeship has taught me numerous skills. I have learned the importance of collaboration and problem-solving working through challenges to find solutions has also built my resilience and confidence in my own capabilities.
Professionally, my knowledge has significantly broadened and deepened through the support of Bristol City Council and UWE, I have also developed skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Working in an office environment was completely new to me so I quickly learned professionalism and office etiquette which will benefit me no matter what job I go into.
What are your plans once you have completed?
I’ve been fortunate to gain experience working on the Public Health Duty Desk, which manages the group inbox that receives all information related to risks and infectious diseases across Bristol. This role sparked my curiosity and encouraged me to explore the wider world of public health in more depth.
A colleague kindly arranged a meeting for me with a former team member who now works in global public health. Speaking with them was incredibly inspiring and gave me valuable insight into potential career paths beyond my apprenticeship. It also strengthened my motivation to continue developing within the Public Health Protection team at the council and to consider future opportunities in the field.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship, as my own experience has shown how impactful it can be. This apprenticeship has been tailored to me as an individual, I’ve received unconditional support and gained invaluable experiences.
This apprenticeship is a testament to how much I’ve grown, both professionally and personally, through continuous learning and hands‑on experience.
