Authority's first OT apprentice is due to graduate and start work with us

She started working for the council ten years ago in our Customer Access team, answering calls from residents, and found the ones about social care particularly interesting.

Claire, from Preston, then secured a job as a Social Care Support Officer (SCSO) and was supporting residents to improve their independence, before becoming one of the authority's first Occupational Therapist Support Officers (OTSO) in 2020.

Two years later she applied to become an OT apprentice so she could start her degree with Sheffield Hallam University to become a qualified Occupational Therapist while she continued to work for the council.

But the journey wasn't a simple one, as Claire, 35, explains.

She said: 

"It took me a bit longer than expected because I became pregnant with my little boy, so I finished my first year just before my maternity leave started.

"I had a year off with him which was brilliant and then I returned to my studies.  But just before my third year, my dad went on end-of-life care and he died last year, so it was a really difficult time.

"We spent a lot of time with him, and when I look back now I'm not sure how I balanced it all, but I know he was proud of me and he wanted me to continue my studies."

During her apprenticeship Claire spent time with Occupational Therapists who are based in a variety of areas including prison, residential rehabilitation and in hospitals.

But she knew she wanted to remain in the community and support people.

She said: 

"I really enjoy the work and meeting people, and I'm looking forward to becoming a qualified Occupational Therapist.

"I've done some work with older residents who were all aged between 90 to 99, and that was really rewarding.  I supported one lady who had a fall and broke her hip to become strong enough to go to her friends 100^th birthday party.

"It is really satisfying when you make a big difference to someone's life, and it's nice to see them get on and lead a normal life like they used to."

Councillor Graham Dalton, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: 

"Claire's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She has shown incredible dedication, compassion and resilience throughout her apprenticeship.

"We are incredibly proud that she is becoming our first Occupational Therapist apprentice to graduate, and we are delighted she is continuing her career with us.

"Occupational Therapists play a vital role in supporting residents to regain confidence, maintain independence and live safely in their own homes."