Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

From horses to healthcare: An unconventional career journey

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Harriet Aitchison, 35, has swapped her riding boots for scrubs in a career change that's taken her from the stables to the wards of Ipswich Hospital.

What's happening: The former equine groomer and chef is now on track to become a radiographer, thanks to an NHS apprenticeship scheme.

Key points:

"I was taking a break as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do," she said. "I thought why not explore the idea of the NHS."

From ponies to patients: Harriet's days were filled with grooming horses and working as a pub chef before her career switch.

Healthcare wasn't on her radar until her sister, a Macmillan nurse at Ipswich Hospital, spotted a poster advertising the Training Academy.

Harriet Aitchison riding a horse
Harriet used to work as an equine groomer before switching careersRichard Weller-PoleyRichard Weller-Poley Photography

The apprenticeship route: Aitchison secured an apprenticeship role after completing the Training Academy. "I applied for a role as an apprentice assistant practitioner in diagnostic imaging and got it!" she said.

The NHS apprenticeship allowed her to earn while she learned, combining on-the-job training with academic study.

She's now working towards a foundation degree, which she expects to complete by May 2026.

Harriet Aitchison in uniform
Harriet Aitchison in uniformRichard Weller-PoleyRichard Weller-Poley Photography

The appeal of variety: "Having done nothing medical before, I wanted to experience and see all the different departments," she explained. The Training Academy and subsequent apprenticeship offered her just that – a chance to sample various NHS roles before committing.

Surprising discoveries: "If I'd have thought before what area would I want to work in I would've said radiography, but now I'm drawn more to MRIs and plain-film x-rays," she revealed, highlighting how hands-on experience can shift career aspirations.

Looking ahead: "I'm really enjoying it and will continue studying for my foundation degree," Aitchison said of her new role and apprenticeship journey.

How to become an NHS apprentice:

  • Visit the ESNEFT website for current apprenticeship opportunities

  • Email talentforcare@esneft.nhs.uk for more information about NHS careers and apprenticeships

  • Check the NHS job page for vacancies, including apprenticeship roles

The bottom line: It's never too late to consider a healthcare career, and apprenticeships offer a practical route for career changers, combining hands-on experience with formal qualifications.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article