Supporting our people to learn, grow and thrive: National Apprenticeship Week 2026

Rachel Vosper and Selina Rogers are two of our Nurse Associates who are currently undertaking a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship with Plymouth University.

Rachel works at our specialist unit at Turnchapel as a Student Nurse Apprentice. Before taking on her Registered Nurse Degree, she completed the Foundation Degree Trainee Nurse Associate training.

“It gave me the fundamentals of nursing and helped me grow academically,” Rachel explains.

“During the degree I had placements in different areas of nursing, which really broadened my experience. I already had my Maths and English GCSEs, the other GCSE requirements, two A‑levels in Health and Social Care, and of course the foundation degree, all of which meant I could progress onto the registered nurse apprenticeship route.”

Rachel has been a familiar face around the wards at Turnchapel, as she has dedicated the last decade to helping provide our compassionate care.

“I’ve been with St Luke’s for 10 years now, and they’ve played such a huge part in helping me keep my dream of becoming a nurse alive, something I wasn’t sure would be possible once I had children, a home to run, and financial responsibilities.

“For me, the apprenticeship route made sense because I rely on two incomes, and with a child who has medical and learning needs, it was really important that I could keep earning while training. I also didn’t want to leave St Luke’s. I genuinely love working here, so being able to stay and train at the same time felt like the perfect fit.”

Rachel is currently studying full-time at Plymouth University, but still helps out at Turnchapel whenever time allows.

“As a full‑time student, I’m not required to work shifts, but I do pick them up when I can, University work always comes first. Staying organised and prepared has been key for managing my time both at Uni and at home.

“My week is a mix of assignments, essays, exams, presentations, clinical skills sessions, and different placements, anything from community nursing to acute hospital settings.

“I also make sure I keep a good work–life balance. Spending time with my family and friends, and getting away with them when I can, has been so important for keeping grounded and looking after myself.

“Being paid full‑time as part of the apprenticeship makes a massive difference, and not having to worry about tuition fees or loans has taken away a huge amount of pressure.”

A big boost that has helped Rachel during her training has been the support from other staff at St Luke’s, giving her confidence in her own ability.

“I’m genuinely enjoying the whole experience. It’s been academically challenging at times, but I’m achieving what I need to and learning so much.

“The support from staff has really helped me grow in confidence, knowing I can reach my goals. I’m incredibly grateful to St Luke’s as an organisation for this opportunity, and I want to especially thank Jen Nicholls and Sarah Earle for all their support so far.”

Rachel describes working for a hospice as being an honour. “Being able to provide the kind of care we do makes everything worthwhile,” she says. “The hospice is such a calm and compassionate environment where we can give patients the time and attention they truly need. Being there at the end of someone’s life and helping to provide dignified, person‑centred care is a real privilege and it aligns completely with my own personal values.”