It was a job she quickly grew to enjoy, but one that also sparked a desire to expand her knowledge and better support her team.

 

“I wanted to deepen my understanding of HR and make a bigger contribution to the organisation,” Kristina said. “With support from Philippa, Academic Programme Manager at Active Care Group, I enrolled on a Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship.”

 

Balancing work, family, and study for over a year was challenging. Kristina says her line manager and the hospital director gave her the flexibility she needed to succeed.

 

“They made it possible for me to attend online classes and set aside time for learning. Without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with the demands of the course.”

 

Kristina also spoke highly of the apprenticeship’s practical nature and the coaching she received. “The lessons were really useful and relevant to my daily work. My coach was incredible. She guided me through each stage and gave me the confidence to keep going, even when things felt overwhelming.”

 

In December 2025, Kristina completed her apprenticeship and achieved a Distinction.

“The journey has been challenging at times, but also very rewarding. The knowledge I gained in the last year will stay with me throughout my career.”

 

Kristina is already planning her next steps. “My next goal is to work towards a Level 5 qualification. That will help me build on what I’ve learned and bring in new ideas that can make a real difference in the service.”

 

As she reflects on her development so far, Kristina has a message for anyone thinking of taking on a similar challenge: “Go for it. It’s never too late to invest in yourself. Whether it’s an apprenticeship or any kind of self-development, the experience can open doors and change your perspective.

 

For me, it’s been life-changing.”