9 February 2026

It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2026!

Occupational Therapy Apprenticeships at Cygnet

Please meet Max Harding and Harry Greenwood, who are Occupational Therapy Apprentices at Cygnet Hospital Stevenage, and are qualifying this year.

For Apprenticeship Week 2026, they have shared their reflections, tips and tricks for anyone considering undertaking an apprenticeship with Cygnet.

Harry (left) and Max (right)

Reflecting on our time as apprentices studying occupational therapy alongside work, we have thoroughly enjoyed the academic and practical growth the course has afforded us. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to progress our careers and gain a degree with the support of Cygnet.

The stressors of studies have been well supported by our work with a special mention to Laura, Ummarah and the team at Stevenage for their valuable support. The support given has been flexible, personable and unwavering in the face of work, life, and academic pressures.

They have provided the essential scaffolding needed to transition competently into the roles as Acting Occupational Therapists in our final year of studies. As we look to the future, we feel equipped to be efficient, effective practitioners who are committed to serving as passionate advocates for the OT profession.

Tips and Tricks:

Stay organised from the start, keep deadlines in your calendar so you know what’s coming.
Protect your study days.
Lean on peers – attend Cygnet apprenticeship drop ins for support.
Communicate early – speak to you tutors and mentors to ensure they can support you.
Prioritise self-care – studying an occupational therapy degree, no one should understand better the need to balance self-care, productivity and leisure.

The positives for us

Quality teaching: number of high quality lecturers who have provides us with excellent teaching throughout the three years.
Valuable placements: Placements have been of real quality, giving experiences of a wide range of settings.
Student Support: Fantastic availability when needed.
Applied learning: E-Tivities have helped us to apply the theoretical knowledge gained into practice.
Simulation days.

Alice Zimba, Hospital Manager, Cygnet Hospital Stevenage, said:

“Investing in Occupational Therapy apprenticeships is a cornerstone of our commitment to valuing our people. By providing a clear pathway from support roles to qualified professionals, we aren’t just filling vacancies; we are cultivating a workforce that already understands our culture and our service users. It’s the ultimate win-win for talent retention and clinical excellence.”

Sylvia Dubarry, “Regional Director of Occupational Therapy (South), said:

“Occupational Therapy is at the heart of the rehabilitation and support we provide at Cygnet. It is so rewarding when our talented and dedicated colleagues choose to do the occupational therapy degree apprenticeship, as this enables them to grow into Occupational Therapy as a long-term career. It takes tremendous dedication and hard work, and we are so proud of them. Such opportunities prove that we don’t just offer jobs – we offer long-term careers where our people feel seen, supported, and truly invested in.”

Speculative candidates or CVs sent to Cygnet by recruitment agencies/headhunters will be treated as a “free of charge” gesture. For further clarification, email recruitment@cygnethealth.co.uk

Life changing careers.