Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating the valuable contribution made by apprentices to its services as part of National Apprentice Week (4th – 8th March.)
The trust runs both Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services in Stockport, and has apprentices at work in a number of areas, including clinical healthcare support, business administration, catering and cleaning.
There are currently over 60 apprentices working in both the hospital and the community. In many cases apprenticeships leads on to permanent full time positions at the trust.
Apprenticeships were previously limited to 18-25 year olds, but they are now open to older candidates too.
One apprentice is Scott Hewitt, 35, from Stockport, who works as an electronic learning administrator at the hospital’s training centre. Scott had previously been out of work for four years when his work coach told him about the pre-employment programme at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Scott successfully completed the 10 week programme and is now enjoying his admin role in supporting training and learning for trust staff. Scott said “I have found the experience to be really positive- it is a great catalyst to continue and develop your skills and recognised by employers. I am excited to see what future prospects will be available to me and I’m eager to progress my career within the trust.”
Another apprentice is Monica Kulaya, 29, from Reddish in Stockport, who works as a clerical officer at the Kingsgate offices in Stockport centre which supports the trust’s community services. Monica got into the position following a work-based trial as part of her health and care qualification at Stockport College, and is now working as an apprentice full time.
Monica said “I’m thoroughly enjoying my time in the department and learning many new skills. Although it is hard work juggling a career, course work and family I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge. I am excited to complete the Apprenticeship as this will then allow me to secure a permanent admin position within the trust in which I can hopefully progress.”
The trust has been running an apprentice scheme for ten years now and sees a new intake each year.
Gill Clarke, organisational development manager at the trust for apprenticeships at the trust said “Our apprentices perform a really vital role in supporting the rest of our workforce, and we are really happy to support them too in their career progression. Apprenticeships are an important route for many young people and we more of them to take advantage of it.”
Apprenticeship vacancies can be found at www.jobs.nhs.uk , and you can find out more about apprenticeships at https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship