We’re supporting National Apprenticeship Week (4 – 8 March)

We currently employ over 100 apprentices, with more coming on board every week, in a variety of different roles and these opportunities will be highlighted at events throughout the week including:

• A celebration event for current and recently completed apprentices within our Trust on Tuesday 5th March from 1pm at Sandford Education Centre at Cheltenham General Hospital
• The Apprenticeship Network Forum will take place on Monday 4th March at Redwood Education Centre Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Thursday 7th March at Sandford Education Centre at Cheltenham General Hospital
• On Tuesday 5th March our Lifelong Learning Team will be raising awareness about training opportunities available in current roles at Blue Spa Restaurant at Cheltenham General Hospital and on Friday 8th March in Foster’s Restaurant at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
• On Saturday 9th March there is a Healthcare Apprenticeship Opportunities Fair at Redwood Education Centre – Up to 50 tickets available to come and meet and discuss about our AHCA opportunities. Staff from Lifelong Learning will be on hand to answer questions with nurses from their speciality areas. Book your place>

The week, which is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service - and also coincides with National Careers Week - is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.

Our Head of Lifelong Learning Lucy Blandford explains: “What better opportunity than Apprenticeship Week to recognise apprentices who are working at our hospitals?

“Good quality education and development are fundamental to providing are services and in particular, to continually improving the experience of patients. At our hospitals we are committed to providing education, training and development that enable us to deliver safe, dignified and compassionate care.

“Staff progression and access to further relevant learning is important for our organisation and our apprentices across different job roles and different apprenticeship frameworks have secured employment and progressed to higher level apprenticeship qualifications.

“Participating in National Apprenticeship week activities enables us to increase awareness and take-up of apprenticeships and traineeships in our own organisation and beyond and for our organisation to recognise and celebrate the positive impact our apprentices have. We pledge to continue to offer further apprenticeship opportunities and will be welcoming apprentice healthcare assistants, apprentices into receptionist and administration and clerical roles over the coming months.”

Emily Herbert is a former apprentice who is now part of our Theatres team at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital after taking the Health Care Support Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship:

“I first heard about the apprenticeship on the GOV.UK website which is a really good place to go to find apprenticeships near you. Prior to doing my apprenticeship I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do in terms of a career. I had a part time job at a care home which I really enjoyed so I think that influenced my choice into going into healthcare because I loved the idea of caring for people. My advice to someone thinking about an apprenticeship would be go for it!! If you are someone that is unsure about your career or don’t want to go to college or university then it is definitely something to think about. Doing the job physically whilst doing the written work alongside it can be challenging sometimes but so worth it, especially if you’re a hands on learner.”

Abbie Priday is an Apprentice Healthcare Assistant (see photo in group):

“I always knew I wanted to work within the healthcare industry after I completed Sixth Form, and this apprenticeship has truly allowed me to confirm this. I am very excited to build my career within the NHS.”

Katie Pellatt is an Apprentice Health Care Support Worker at Chedworth and Kemerton Day Surgery Units based in Cheltenham General Hospital.

“I chose to complete this apprenticeship in order to have a years’ worth of healthcare related training and ensure my decision to become a nurse was exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have been really enjoying it so far and it has made me certain that nursing is the right career for me”.

Emily Short is Apprentice Health Care Support Worker in Gallery Ward at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital:

“I decided to do an NHS healthcare assistant apprenticeship to gain experience and a valuable qualification to help me in my aspiration to become a nurse. I currently work on a rehabilitation ward and the experiences I have come across have made me realise the passion and care that goes into helping individuals regain their independence. This apprenticeship has spurred me on to achieve my goal to be a nurse with the NHS”.

Former apprentice Chevonne Smith works at Little Apples Nursery and has completed her Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeship with us before getting a permanent job with us:

“I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do when I first started looking for apprenticeships but I had done my work experience in a nursery and quite enjoyed it. So I applied for an apprenticeship within the NHS and I got the job within one of the nurseries. I’m currently gaining more skills now being in the position I am in and have been given the opportunity to go on more courses to progress even more. I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship, you get 3 in 1: Money, qualification and experience. I feel like you learn so much more when you have hands on experience and it makes it easier to do your coursework because you can speak from experience”.

Find out more about apprenticeships visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk or for information about apprenticeships at our hospitals email: ghn-tr.ghtapprenticeships@nhs.net