Celebrating the role of occupational therapy apprentices in adult social care

For National Apprenticeship Week 2025, occupational therapy apprentices discuss their roles.

Occupational therapy (OT) apprentices play a vital role in adult social care, contributing to a skilled and dedicated workforce and providing a pathway for them to enter the profession. We asked four OT apprentices to tell us more about what inspired them to do this role, the skills and knowledge they have developed and the advice they would give others considering this career path.

Meet the OT apprentices

James Mullarkey

James is in the third year of an Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship at Hertfordshire County Council.

Being an OT is a creative person-centred profession that allows me to engage with people on a daily basis and make a positive impact on their lives. Sometimes that’s just with an initial chat or conversation which can brighten up someone’s day, or it could be a referral for a major adaptation to make someone’s home more suitable and give them greater independence.

Making a change to people’s lives with technology

This apprenticeship has given me the skills to do this and make a real change in people’s lives every day. We’ve looked at a range of interesting technology from telephone support to allow people to maintain their independence, to how robots might help people around the house in the future. We have also seen how phones, tablets and different connected devices can enable people to manage everyday activities we take for granted. Having voice activated technology can make a huge difference and allow someone to manage more independently, especially if they have physical health needs that prevent them from engaging in activities.

Putting skills into practice

As apprentices we’re learning alongside our day jobs, putting new skills and knowledge into practice as we learn them. We bring this back to our teams which improve the way we work together. An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to earn and learn at the same time, while meeting some amazing people, building life skills and lots of opportunities to explore the wonderful, unique and varied world of occupational therapy.

Sam Coburn

Sam is in the first year of a BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship with Devon County Council.

I was working for Devon County Council within the disabled children’s service when the OT apprenticeship advert went out in 2024. I had a discussion with my husband, decided to apply and was successful. I love enabling others to be independent and to continue doing things they love, despite the challenges they may face, so working in adult social care was the perfect position for me.

The importance of a supportive team

My team support people from across the south of Devon and my skills and confidence have grown in this role. I used to get anxious talking to people on the phone but with support from the occupational therapy assistants, I’m able to triage clients for our waiting list and gather the information we need through a natural conversation. I’m a dab hand with my tape measure now and prescribe small pieces of equipment right through to galvanised handrails to keep people safe and independent in their homes.

Journey as an adult learner

As an adult learner, the biggest challenge has been believing in myself. Not only have I completely changed my career path, but I’m now working full time whilst raising two children. It’s not been an easy first term, but I have a supportive team and have made some great friends. The advice I’d give to someone considering an OT apprenticeship in adult social care, is to do it!  It’s hard work but rewarding at the same time. You will learn so many additional skills when you’re in the workplace that you just can’t get from a lecture or workshop on campus.

William Dyett

William works in the Community Occupational Therapy Team at Milton Keynes City Council and is in the first year of his MSc Occupational Therapy apprenticeship.

I was motivated to pursue the OT apprenticeship in adult social care due to the depth, scope and learning the work provided alongside it. A colleague had been through this route and explained the support she received and the learning and skills she gained from handling complex cases.

Developing confidence

A typical day for me involves undertaking various stages of the occupational therapy process which includes triaging referrals, completing assessments, interventions and general ownership of my caseload. Apart from the immediate reward and fulfilment from satisfied people we support, I enjoy the autonomy and sense of trust this role provides. I’m less apprehensive to take on more complex cases in my practice in adult social care as the apprenticeship has given me the confidence to develop my knowledge and skillset in different areas.

Be prepared for challenges

I feel more resilient and unafraid to take on more complex cases as this provides me with the opportunity to grow. For anyone considering an OT apprenticeship in adult social care, be prepared to learn quickly and to take on any challenges that come your way. You can balance this through seeking support and guidance from those you work alongside with the self-awareness of when you feel you’re struggling and when the workload may be too much.

Lisa Proctor

Lisa is heading into the second year of her occupational therapy degree apprenticeship in adult social care at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

I started in the reablement team where I progressed to a role in home assessment as a social care assessor. I’m passionate about working with people to empower them and promote their independence. I was encouraged to take up the opportunity to apply for an OT apprenticeship to advance in my role and gain a professional qualification. Working within adult social care allows me to work with a diverse range of people and services. It also offers me the chance to develop skills in different areas.

Technology enabled care

It’s an exciting time to be an apprentice within our service. The OT team I work in focus on prevention and early intervention of which technology enabled care (TEC) is often at the forefront and can support individuals to remain safe. Online self-help tools, such as AskSARA provide information on products and equipment to promote independence.

Developing skills and knowledge

I’ve come to the end of the first year of the apprenticeship and feel more confident heading into my second year. It’s allowed me to continue to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a qualified OT and make connections with individuals from different backgrounds, which helps to form the type of practitioner that I wish to be.