Apprenticeship Week 2025 – let’s meet Hayleigh

We’re rightly proud of our globally diverse workforce. Our colleagues here come from over 70 different countries. From Afghanistan to Zambia, and so many places in between, there is a place for all at QVH.

Of course, we offer opportunities for colleagues from closer to the Trust too, just like ‘home grown’ Hayleigh Dawkins, who is on her third apprenticeship and her second degree and says she really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Hayleigh grew up sharing her time between Crawley and East Grinstead; she still lives close by, and joined us back in 2013, after a number of years working in nursing homes around the local area.

She started on Canadian Wing as a band 2 Healthcare Assistant (HCA). But Hayleigh wanted to progress.

“I got wind that I could do an apprenticeship in the outpatients department; I could do an NVQ which would mean I would move to a band 3 senior HCA. I did that at Crawley College. I’d never been that academic but I found that I loved the learning,” Hayleigh said.

She loved it so much, she decided to go and complete another apprenticeship programme, and go for her Nursing Associate Foundation degree.

“This meant I had to go to a more clinical environment and I moved over to the Burns unit to do that. But this degree would enable me to become a band 4 Nursing Associate, and means I am now registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.”

“Once I realised that the opportunities were there for me as an apprentice, I knew I wanted to progress and that’s why I took the opportunity and wanted to carry on with my studying.”

And what grade did Hayleigh get?

“I came out with a distinction. Which is great. I was really pleased. It puts the pressure on the next one though.”

The next one? Hayleigh’s not stopping. She’s now on to her third apprenticeship programme and taking on her second degree.

“This is a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship and will take me up to a Band 5 – if I get it. I finish it next year in September.”

Hayleigh’s QVH journey highlights the opportunities apprentice courses can provide.

She said: “I feel very lucky to be honest. I came here with no hospital experience whatsoever. I feel like QVH has developed me. I am home grown – I always say that to my manager.”

“This place has given me the opportunities to expand and progress, so I feel very lucky to be able to do it. The support I have had here has been great, absolutely amazing.

“Some people say, oh, you should go fly the nest and go to other hospitals,’ which I have done on my placements. But I can’t say I’ve been anywhere where I thought I want to leave Queen Victoria Hospital – I love this hospital.”

So what’s next for Hayleigh?

“I’m hoping I’ll get a role in the Burns unit, but it depends where there’s a job available. I know that as an apprentice, you’re essentially sort of giving up your contract, so I’ll have to apply for something when we get there. Maybe specialising in a burns role? Dare I say it? I’d be quite interested in doing a Masters at some point.”

If you interested in finding out more about our apprenticeship opportunities, please contact QVH.apprenticeships@nhs.net