I’ve been asked to write this blog and, as many people who know me at BridgeHead will testify, I can usually talk about something for hours before getting to the point – let’s see if I can steer this in a sensible direction!

I have been with BridgeHead for 2 years now. In that time, I have worked across a plethora of projects – this, coupled with the great relationship I have with all of my colleagues, makes it feel like I have been here far longer. A lot of companies will use the term ‘family’ to refer to their ethos and ethic, but at BridgeHead I can’t think of a more apt word – since the beginning I’ve never felt like I couldn’t ask someone for help or advice on anything at all.

But, enough trying to impress the management should they read this, it’s time for the inevitable explanation of how I arrived here.

Like many teenagers approaching the end of their official education, I was unsure over which career was right for me or whether I should go onto higher education. The common choice for many is to pick an A level subject you’re good at and do a degree in it. But, with the ever rising cost of getting a degree, coupled with the fact that I could end up wasting money doing something I didn’t enjoy after 6 months, I decided to look for other options.

An apprenticeship was always a route I wanted to consider so, after finishing college, I investigated what was on offer. I’ve always been fascinated by many aspects of hardware and software, whether it’s building my own computer or dabbling in all sorts of software products during my time studying GCSE IT and A Level Music Technology.

I was set on finding a job that enabled me to take my dabbling further. I signed on with QA (http://apprenticeships.qa.com/) and they provided me with interview training and guidance on what ‘life’ was like in a working environment. It was invaluable and helped prepare me for my interview with BridgeHead Software.

Interviews can be a nerve-wracking process, but the old adage – ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ rings true! Interviews are supposed to be challenging and the BridgeHead interview with the Engineering Manager and the CTO did not disappoint. Questions pertaining to back up and archive techniques would challenge even the best-prepared interviewees.

I was successful and offered an apprenticeship and I have never looked back. Through training with QA and a lot of on-site training from BridgeHead, I feel like I’ve already learnt so much in my time here – from C# to SQL, the odd C++/Java work mixed in and a variety of different testing tools.

Looking back, I can’t think of a day that I didn’t enjoy and that’s probably the best piece of advice I could give to anyone who wants to start an apprenticeship – do something you know you’ll like.

At BridgeHead, I get the opportunity to combine my interest in both software and healthcare. We all have a right to the best healthcare possible and, as such, I am becoming more aware of the role that technology has in facilitating care delivery. It’s great to know that my contribution at BridgeHead is helping to improve technology in the wider healthcare industry and, ultimately, patient care.

I not only love working here, but I enjoy the entire raison d’etre of the company. The NHS will touch upon most of the population at some point in their lives. It is a globally respected institution and, whilst it is not perfect and going through some difficult times at present, the notion that everyone in the UK, regardless of status, should have access to healthcare is something I agree with whole heartedly.

I work in a great environment with great people. Knowing what I do now, I would gladly tell any of my peers and colleagues that healthcare IT is a very dynamic market to be working in.

I officially finished my Apprenticeship in July 2014, becoming qualified as a Microsoft Certified Professional and receiving several diplomas as a result. BridgeHead subsequently offered me a permanent job, which I accepted on the spot, cementing the prospect of what I hope will be a successful career.