When Sadie Haynes stood in front of a classroom full of primary school children, she never imagined that five years later, she would be standing in a hospital, supporting NHS staff on the frontline.
The 35-year-old from the West Midlands left teaching last year, feeling unsatisfied and searching for a new way to help people. Now, thanks to an NHS apprenticeship with Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, she has found a role that gives her a renewed sense of purpose - helping staff who care for some of the most vulnerable people in the region.
At a time when the NHS is facing severe staff shortages, with more than 121,000 vacancies across England (Kings Trust), apprenticeships are proving to be an important route into the sector - not just for school leavers, but for professionals like Sadie looking for an alternative career.
A Career Change Rooted in Compassion
For Sadie, the decision to leave the classroom was not an easy one. Teaching had always been her passion, but over time, she felt something was missing.
“I loved working with children, but I reached a point where I knew I wanted to do more,” she explains.
“I wanted to support people beyond the classroom - to help improve their mental and physical wellbeing. The idea of leaving teaching was daunting, but when I saw the NHS apprenticeship role, it felt like everything fell into place.”
She applied for a newly created role as an Apprentice Staff Health and Wellbeing Worker, designed to offer NHS staff practical and emotional wellbeing support.
Within just a week of starting, Sadie was already making an impact. She helped run a wellbeing drop-in session at Hallam Street Hospital, supported new healthcare workers through essential training, and worked on improving the Trust’s staff wellbeing intranet - making it easier for staff to access support.
“I’ve gone from standing in front of a whiteboard to standing in a room with NHS staff who are struggling with the pressures of their work,” she says.
“Seeing the difference we can make - just by being there and offering support - has been incredible.”
Finding the Right People for the NHS
Sadie’s journey is part of a wider effort to rethink how the NHS recruits new talent. With burnout and stress driving many healthcare workers to consider leaving the profession, staff wellbeing is more critical than ever.
Instead of a traditional interview process, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust took a values-based approach to recruitment.
Candidates were invited to a group assessment day, where they were assessed not just on their qualifications, but on their ability to work in a team and demonstrate key NHS values like compassion, empathy, and resilience.
“We needed someone who could really connect with people, someone who would make staff feel supported,” says Charlie Ellis, Staff Support and Wellbeing Manager.
“Sadie had that warmth, that natural ability to put people at ease. From the moment she walked into the assessment, we knew she was the right fit.”
The Trust received more than 100 applications for the role, a sign of the growing demand for alternative routes into NHS careers.
A Growing Role for Apprenticeships in the NHS
With NHS workforce shortages showing no signs of easing, apprenticeships are playing an increasing role in tackling the crisis.
The West Midlands alone saw nearly 38,000 apprenticeship start in 2022-23, providing a pathway into healthcare for people who might never have considered it before (Institute for Apprenticeships).
This shift is a key focus of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, which is highlighting how apprenticeships are helping to strengthen the NHS workforce and offer opportunities to those looking for a fresh start (nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk).
“For anyone considering an apprenticeship, my advice is simple - go for it,” says Sadie.
“It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. The support I’ve had has been incredible, and I feel like the possibilities are endless.”
Interested in an Apprenticeship?
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging more teams to consider apprenticeships to develop new talent and strengthen services. For more information: bchft.apprenticeships@nhs.net
Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week 2025: nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk