From T Level Health to a Degree Apprenticeship in the NHS
Kelly studied T Level Health at MidKent College from 2022 to 2024.
She is now an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, completing a Level 6 degree apprenticeship with Canterbury Christ Church University.
From T Level placement to the NHS
Kelly originally planned to study Psychology, but her T Level industry placement at Medway NHS Foundation Trust helped her discover a passion for hands on clinical care.
Following positive feedback from her placement, Kelly was offered work as a Bank Clinical Support Worker after completing her T Level. She spent the following year working across different wards, building her confidence and gaining valuable experience in patient care.
During her T Level placement, Kelly had also spent a day in theatres, an experience that sparked an interest in perioperative care (before and after surgery).
“I loved seeing how the different professionals worked together as one team.”
Kelly successfully applied for an Operating Department Practitioner apprenticeship in 2025 and now combines university study with practical experience in the NHS.
Learning on the job
Starting in theatres brought plenty of new challenges, from learning unfamiliar terminology to adapting to a fast-paced environment and balancing full time clinical work with university.
“One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is how important it is to ask for help. Perioperative care relies heavily on teamwork, communication and everyone working together in the best interests of the patient.”
Kelly’s advice to students
Kelly encourages current students to make the most of opportunities to experience different careers.
“My biggest piece of advice would be to go for it, but get a taste of the profession first. I originally planned to study Psychology, but my T Level placement helped me realise that I had a passion for hands-on clinical and hospital care.”
She also recommends considering apprenticeships, particularly for students who enjoy learning practically alongside their studies.
“If a door opens for you, step through it. The people around you had to learn those skills too, and you can learn them as well.”
Memories of MidKent College
Having moved to the UK just three weeks before starting College, Kelly says the friendships she made became an important part of her new life, with some of those classmates still among her closest friends today.
She also remembers the support of her tutors, and spending her lunch breaks playing Mario Kart in the student lounge!
From T Level student to NHS degree apprentice, Kelly’s journey shows how gaining real world experience can help you discover a career you may never have considered.
