Publish date: 9 February 2026
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is the biggest and a week-long celebration of apprenticeships and skills that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships and skills make to individuals, businesses and our communities.
Lisa Kalinowska completed her apprenticeship in 2024, becoming a qualified occupational therapist at West London and is now working in Ealing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
She said: “The apprenticeship route supported me in building a solid career as a qualified occupational therapist, just the role I always wanted. Time flew by so quickly because I was doing what I always wanted to do during the program!”
Lisa always wanted to do something that merges both the physical and psychological elements in her career. When she found information about this route on West London NHS Trust’s website, she was able to research a bit more about occupational therapists and knew that this was something she wanted.
She thinks this was the best pathway she found for herself as she loves working in the community and with children. Marking this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, Lisa encourages current and future apprentices: “Communicate openly with managers, express your interests, and let them know what challenges you have. They will then be able to support you and achieve your desire goals.”
For more information about different routes into many careers at West London NHS Trust, check out our education, training, and development opportunities available on our Trust website.