Eleanor West

I am a newly qualified Occupational Therapist with a 1st Class BSc degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Sunderland, completed through a degree apprenticeship. Before qualifying, I gained valuable experience working within mental health services, supporting patients across acute and rehabilitation wards and developing strong clinical, communication and interpersonal skills.

After being made redundant in September 2025, I decided to take the opportunity to step outside of my usual career path and experience something completely different. I spent the 2025/26 winter season working as a Chalet Host in the French Alps, where I managed the day-to-day running of different-sized chalets, catered for groups of 6–12 guests and worked in a fast-paced environment. This developed my independence, adaptability, organisation, confidence and ability to remain calm and positive under pressure.

Following the ski season, I worked in a pub, further developing my customer service, teamwork, communication and ability to work efficiently in a busy environment. I then spent two months travelling around Europe, which gave me greater independence, confidence and a willingness to embrace new experiences and unfamiliar situations.

Now I am seeking employment and keen to get started!

Chalet Host at Ski Beat (2025-11 – 2026-04)

• Managed day-to-day running of different chalets in a ski resort in the French Alps, catering, cleaning and hosting for between 6-12 guests 5 and a half days a week.
• Kept living areas spotless and made meals that suited different dietary needs.
• Grew skills in planning, communication and working smoothly under pressure.

Bar staff/waitress FOH at Kreft Holdings (2026-05 – 2026-07)

• Served customers at the bar and tables.
• Took food and drink orders and handled payments.
• Provided friendly, efficient customer service.
• Maintained cleanliness and worked well in a busy team.

Occupational Therapy Apprentice at The Priory Group (2023-09 – 2025-09)

• Delivered 1:1 and group therapeutic activities on acute and rehabilitation mental health wards while studying toward qualification. Applied university learning to advance my role and benefit service users and overall service.
• refined clinical soft skills by completing clinical assessments, following MOHO model and the OT process while also contributing to patient care while supporting the wider OT team.
• Completed learning in practice through placements in paediatrics, adult community social care, and neurological rehabilitation.

Occupational Therapy Assistant at The Priory Group (2022-08 – 2023-09)

• Delivered group and 1:1 therapeutic activities to support patient recovery across acute and rehabilitation inpatient mental health wards.
• Responsible for independently planning and facilitating meaningful interventions, promoting engagement and wellbeing.
• Provided support to the wider occupational therapy and nursing teams in delivering high-quality patient care.

Testing Specialist at Bluecrest Health on behalf of the ONS (2021-08 – 2022-06)

• As a Testing Specialist in the Leeds community, working for a partner organisation for the office of national statistics, I scheduled and visited study participants to conduct detailed surveys on symptoms, weekly activities, and contacts. I collected PCR swab and finger-prick blood samples, logged data via the company portal, and ensured safe packaging and transport of samples to local couriers for lab analysis.

Covid-19 Tester and multiskilled operative at Sodexo (2020-11 – 2021-06)

• As part of a close-knit team, I helped operate a Covid-19 self-testing site, ensuring smooth and safe service.
• I received comprehensive training in health and safety, cleaning, chemical handling, terrorism awareness, and safeguarding. This role strengthened my customer service skills by guiding the public through testing procedures, boosting my confidence and ability to handle challenging situations calmly and effectively.

Kennel Maid at Sadberge Kennels and Cattery (2017-08 – 2020-08)

• I worked both independently and as part of a tight-knit team to care for boarding animals, following strict protocols that ensure their comfort and the smooth running of the business. My duties included chemical cleaning, feeding, exercising, hands-on care, and interacting with customers and the public.

BSc Degree Apprenticeship in Occupational Therapy – University of Sunderland (2023-09 – 2025-09)

BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health – Leeds Beckett University (2018-09 – 2021-07)

A Levels – Stockton 6th Form College (2016-09 – 2018-07)

GCSE – Ian Ramsey C of E School (2011-09 – 2016-07)