National Apprenticeship Week is taking place from 5th to 11 February and trusts across the country have been marking the occasion. The theme for the 17th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is ‘Skills for Life'.
The apprenticeship team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust are hosting additional drop in information sessions across hospital sites, highlighting apprenticeships as a fantastic opportunity for existing staff to develop and open doors for the local community and allow them to earn while they learn.
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) has highlighted the variety of roles for those wishing to work for an outstanding NHS Trusts, including student nurses, occupational therapists, business admin, customer service, software development, dieticians and pharmacists.
HPFT currently has 135 apprentices working across the Trust, who are receiving training, development and learning opportunities in their respective fields which will help to further their career.
Belinda Clayton is an advanced assistant therapy practitioner (3rd year apprentice) working with older adults on a Mental Health Assessment and Treatment unit (Seward Lodge). She said: “I feel incredibly fortunate that I love my role. I have enjoyed being on the apprenticeship, despite it being hard work – seeing theory put into practice is exciting! I especially love spending time with service users and knowing that I am playing a part in their journey of assessment, treatment, and safe discharge. Hearing regular positive feedback from service users and their families is always rewarding and makes me feel valued in my role.”
Devon Partnership Trust is celebrating the achievements of apprentices and recognising the positive impact they bring.
The apprenticeship team will be highlighting success stories, providing insights into our apprenticeship programs, and exploring the advantages apprenticeships can bring.
Liz Perry, chief people officer at the Trust said: "This week is an opportunity for everyone that is passionate about apprenticeships to come together and celebrate the value and opportunities that they bring. You will hear and see stories from our amazing apprentices, the impact the apprenticeship has had on their confidence, their skills and how the apprenticeships have kick-started some incredible careers."
West London NHS Trust has announced that it has teamed up with Pass Functional Skills, who provide functional skills courses, revision, tuition and Ofqual exams.
Those on the course will identify their strengths and weaknesses, receive video support from experts, have access to practise questions and mock exams, track their progress and find out when they're ready for an exam.
