Investing in apprenticeships to build skills for life
This National Apprenticeship Week marks a celebration of Skills for Life and Apprenticeships. Our senior executives and education team have come together to celebrate the success of our apprenticeship programme and the dedication of our apprentices.
Since April 2024, there has been a 36 per cent increase in employees taking up apprenticeships, with 87 staff currently enrolled, and 12 having successfully completed their programmes. We are proud to offer 27 fully funded apprenticeship programmes across both clinical and non-clinical roles, allowing staff to learn at no personal cost.
Celebrating success
A highlight this year was our Apprentice Graduation ceremony in December 2024, where graduates proudly received their certificates. The event was a true celebration of their hard work and dedication, showcasing the success and impact of our apprenticeship initiatives on their careers and our services.
Charleen Bianco, who completed a Level 5 Nursing Associate apprenticeship, shared:
“This apprenticeship taught me lifelong skills like self-awareness, resilience, and the confidence to trust my abilities. I’ve gained practical experience, built strong professional relationships, and discovered a deeper commitment to my career. I’ve become someone who enjoys learning and am now more ambitious in my goals as a mental health professional.”
Peter Owen, a Clinical Health Assistant who qualified as a Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker, reflected on his journey:
“Qualifying as a Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker gave me a great sense of achievement and pride. I came into healthcare later in life and although I found the thought of further education daunting, I wanted to show the same dedication to my role as my peers and colleagues. I therefore took the plunge and signed up to take on the level 3 apprenticeship and found it a totally rewarding experience.”
Frances Gowing, who completed a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, highlighted how the programme enhanced her skills:
“I have learnt a great deal about the organisation I work for, the pressures and challenges the organisation faces. I have enhanced my skills and developed new ones. It has resulted in the allocation of tasks including looking at process changes and improvement within our service which has been of benefit.”
Investing in development
In addition to our wide range of apprenticeships, we support staff in developing numeracy, literacy and digital skills. Since May 2024, our job applicants have completed a self-assessment questionnaire during pre-boarding, directing them to tailored training options. Our Functional Skills training helps staff achieve Level 2 English and Maths qualifications, equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C. To further support digital confidence, we have Digital Skills champions available for those who need extra help.
Jo Lynch, Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the popularity of our nursing apprenticeships:
“The most popular apprenticeships at our Trust are the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, with 25 apprentices, and the Nursing Associate Student (NMC 2018) programme, with 23 apprentices. Many Registered Nurse Degree Apprentices first completed the Nursing Associate programme, highlighting apprenticeships as an excellent pathway to becoming a Nurse. This year, we’re also excited to launch our Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship, featuring co-designed elements. We look forward to enrolling staff onto this programme.”
Cheryl Newsome, Chief People Officer, emphasised the Trust’s commitment to career development:
“We are committed to ensuring that every staff member can grow and develop in their career. By offering a mix of apprenticeships and other educational opportunities, we cater to diverse learning needs and career aspirations. This approach supports individual growth, strengthens our organisation, and enhances the quality of care we provide to people who use our services, their families, and carers.”
Mette Laszkiewicz, Director of Education, recognised the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the future NHS workforce:
“Apprenticeships are the heartbeat of a new NHS workforce. This National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate the dedication of all our apprentices and the invaluable role they play in delivering exceptional patient care. Investing in apprenticeships today means a stronger, more skilled NHS tomorrow.”