This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the difference apprenticeships make across our trust, with senior trust executives and our education team recognising both the success of the programme and the dedication of our apprentices.
Our trust remains committed to investing in our people, supporting career development, and growing skills for the future.
Over the past year, 40 colleagues completed apprenticeships, more than triple the previous year. We now offer 31 apprenticeships across clinical and non‑clinical areas, with 64 colleagues currently training in areas such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, and Data Science.
All Apprenticeship programmes are fully funded, ensuring apprentices can develop without financial barriers. Since 2019, 115 colleagues have graduated, with over 83 per cent remaining with the trust, demonstrating the programme’s long-term value.
Our commitment extends further through the Careers Advice Service, which offers accessible, high‑quality guidance to colleagues and line managers. Place‑based, face‑to‑face sessions now bring tailored advice directly to teams, supporting development aligned to our trust's priorities and the NHS 10 Year Plan. With a data‑driven, responsive approach, the service supports around 10 percent of our workforce each year, showing clear demand and real impact.
We also help colleagues build strong numeracy, literacy and digital skills. Since May 2024, all new starters complete a pre‑boarding self‑assessment to identify these training needs where required. Our Digital Skills Champions further support colleagues to use new technologies with confidence, ensuring teams can continue delivering high‑quality care.
Jo Lynch, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “Since 2019, we have built a strong ‘grow your own’ pathway within our nursing workforce, and it is making a real difference. Forty colleagues have completed the Nursing Associate Student Apprenticeship, with 10 progressing to qualify as Registered Nurses through the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship top‑up route, and eight more currently on this pathway. In addition, 14 Nursing Associate Student Apprentices are now in training, alongside six colleagues completing the full Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship. Together, these achievements demonstrate the strength of our ‘grow your own’ approach and the dedication, talent and ambition of our nursing workforce.”
Cheryl Newsome, Chief People Officer, said: “We are committed to helping every staff member to progress with confidence. By offering funded apprenticeships, education programmes, personalised careers guidance, a variety and targeted skills support, we’re building capability across our trust and enhances the quality of care we provide to people who use our services, their families, and carers.”
Mette Laszkiewicz, Director of Education, said: “Apprenticeships are a vital part of how we grow our own talent. This National Apprenticeship Week, we recognise the dedication of our apprentices and the impact they make across our trust. By supporting their learning and progression, we are strengthening our workforce and securing the skills needed for the future.”
A highlight this year will be our Apprentice Graduation ceremony that will take place on Thursday,12 February 2026.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, three of our Apprentice Graduates have shared their experiences below.
“Through my apprenticeship, I’ve developed strong HR knowledge, confidence, and assertive communication skills. It gave me a solid foundation in the people profession, enabling me to apply best practice, adapt quickly, and continue growing as an HR professional.”
- Luiza Teixeira Cheal, Level 3 HR Support Apprentice
“Through my Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, I gained lifelong skills, compassionate communication, resilience, teamwork and critical thinking. Learning on the job built my confidence, professionalism, and ability to deliver safe, person-centred care every day.”
- Charles Ghartey, Level 5 Nursing Associate Student Apprentice
“My apprenticeship gave me the confidence, practical skills, and real-world experience to grow as an Occupational Therapist. Learning on the job, supported by committed colleagues and leaders, built my resilience and shaped my professional identity. It truly gave me the skills for life to thrive in my career.”
- Lyndsey Wills, Level 6 Occupational Therapy Apprentice