For National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we meet Veneta Simitchieva, a Level 3 Apprentice in Cellular Pathology who is juggling her career, a degree, and being a mum to an 11-year-old. She shares her story of pursuing professional registration and the unique rewards of her role.
For Veneta, choosing an apprenticeship was a strategic step to advance a career she was already passionate about. With years of experience working in a laboratory, she hit a professional ceiling. “I wanted to progress in my career as a biomedical scientist, but my existing degree wasn’t compatible with HCPC registration,” she explains. The apprenticeship offered a solution: a fully-funded degree and the hands-on experience needed to become a registered professional.
Veneta’s role in the Cellular Pathology department, part of the GI services, is central to patient diagnosis. “What attracted me is that you help people in the diagnostic process,” she says. “I really enjoy being that vital link between consultants and patients, understanding the full journey of how we reach a diagnosis. Every day is different because of the variety of specimens and diseases we see.”
A typical day for Veneta is intensely busy, both professionally and personally. As a single mother to an 11-year-old son about to start high school, her apprenticeship requires meticulous organisation. “The biggest challenge was figuring out how to organise my lifestyle,” she admits. “The programme takes a lot of time.” The structured support, including a dedicated study day each week (20% of her work time), has been crucial. “It’s really helpful, though of course, you sometimes need to spend part of your weekend studying too. In the end, it’s worth it.”
Beyond the logistical balancing act, Veneta highlights the incredible support system that makes it possible. “The wonderful people around me at work have been really helpful, explaining everything,” she says. She also gives special credit to Apprenticeship Manager Harry Dosas for seamlessly organising the initial functional skills tests and the ongoing programme logistics. “Everything was organised really nicely, so I had no problems focusing on learning.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering an apprenticeship, Veneta is candid and encouraging. “Familiarise yourself with the whole programme, how long it will take and the time you need to commit. It’s a long-term commitment; mine is four years. But it’s a really good way to progress. You gain recognised qualifications and priceless experience simultaneously.”
Her proudest achievement isn’t a single moment, but the broader skills and perspective she’s developed. “I’ve learned to be more efficient and improved my communication skills immensely,” she notes. “We liaise with all departments, surgeons, maternity, other wards, so it expands your professional network and understanding. Going to university has given me the ‘why’ behind the processes we follow at work, which is incredibly rewarding.”
With her apprenticeship set to finish in September 2027, Veneta is looking forward to HCPC registration and continuing her vital work. Her final message is one of positive determination: “Everyone can do it, but it takes effort. It’s not rocket science, but you need to put the work in. It’s inspiring because you learn, you help people, and you get paid for it. It’s a win-win.”
Veneta’s story is a powerful testament to how apprenticeships can open doors to professional qualifications, even for those balancing significant responsibilities. They offer a viable, rewarding, and structured path to career transformation.