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# From horses to healthcare: An unconventional career journey
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/from-horses-to-healthcare-an-unconventional-career-journey/
- Published: 2024-08-12T09:54:39.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:37:53.000Z
- Description: 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.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Health & Care Services, Vocational Education & Training, #article, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**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:**

- Harriet joined the [East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT)](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/east-suffolk-and-north-essex-nhs-foundation-trust-esneft/) Training Academy in September
- She's now an apprentice assistant practitioner in diagnostic imaging
- Her journey showcases alternative routes into NHS careers, particularly apprenticeships

"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](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1723456040-harriet-aitchison-on-horse-photo-credit-richard-weller-poley.jpg)

Harriet used to work as an equine groomer before switching careers Photo: Richard Weller-Poley (Richard 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](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1723455932-harriet-aitchison-in-uniform-1.jpg)

Harriet Aitchison in uniform Photo: Richard Weller-Poley (Richard 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](mailto: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.

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