Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is using National Apprenticeship Week (9th – 15th February) to promote the advantages of apprenticeships, not just for those who take them, but for those they work with too.
The week is an annual event that celebrates the positive impact apprenticeships have for colleagues and for patients.
Learning and education staff at the trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services in Stockport, are working closely with key apprenticeship providers to arrange a series of events and activities including virtual webinars. Promotion of T-Levels is also taking place during the week too.
There are currently over 217 apprentices working at the trust, in areas including clinical healthcare support, business administration, catering and cleaning. The apprenticeships range from a Level 2 (GCSE) Apprenticeship to a Level 7 (Masters) Apprenticeship, and are available in both the hospital and the community.
One area apprentices work in is the hospital’s inpatient pharmacy, which has supported over 20 apprentices, with 10 working there currently. Specialist Pharmacy Technician Marie Axon says the apprentices have helped to improve productivity and lower staff turnover.
Marie (pictured) said; “It`s so good to see staff supporting one another and bringing their different skill sets to help produce a much more productive department. By continuing to offer opportunities it improves staff confidence, skills, knowledge, health and wellbeing, productivity. If you have the chance, do it!”
Another area is the hospital’s financial department which has had 10 apprentices in the last few years. Staff in this team are employed permanently but studying for professional qualifications via the apprenticeship route. Financial Services Manager Sandra Platt says having apprentices with the team has been a huge support.
Sandra said; “Having apprentices on board is a really positive experience. We would continue to support apprentices within the division as I have found that if you show your employee that you want to invest in their future training, they fully interact with all aspects of their role and their department and are generally eager to learn new tasks. Seeing your staff grow and being a part of their development is lovely to see, knowing you have encouraged them.”
The trust works with a number of partner organisations for its apprenticeship schemes, including University of Manchester, University of Salford, University of Bolton, Sheffield Hallam University, Manchester Metropolitan University, BPP training, DBC training and QA Ltd.
Amanda Bromley, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Director of People & Organisational Development, said; “An apprenticeship can be a hugely rewarding way of either starting off or progressing within a career, and they also bring great value and support into the areas in which the staff work. Apprentices form a vital and valued part of our workforce here in Stockport’s NHS.”
If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships contact the apprenticeship team on [email protected]