Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is using National Apprenticeship Week (6th – 10th February) to let people know the many opportunities it has to offer.
Education and training staff at the trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services in Stockport, are running a series of online seminars and a promotional stand in the hospital restaurant to promote the many different apprenticeship roles available.
There are currently over 120 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.
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, DAMAR training, QA Ltd, Bury College and HIT training.
One student who took advantage of the apprenticeship scheme is 29 year old Jordan Booth. Jordan originally worked as a community rehabilitation worker in Sheffield, and following a move to Manchester took up a similar role in Stockport. When he was working with colleagues rehabilitating patients back into the community that he saw the opportunity of an apprenticeship of trainee nursing associate at Stepping Hill Hospital with the University of Salford.
This gave him an introduction into nursing, and he is now hugely enjoying his role caring for patients on a hospital gastroenterology ward. Jordan said “My dream was to always do nursing but never had the grades or money to leave my job to complete this dream. Being an apprentice is a fantastic way to learn and earn at the same time, and without this I would have never been able to afford this fantastic course with this amazing team.” Jordan was named by the University of Salford last year as their ‘Apprentice of the Year’.
Another who took an apprenticeship is 19 year old Lucy Dutton. She ended a previous apprenticeship when she became a full time creditor payments officer at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, but was able to make a smooth transition to taking a new apprenticeship position within the trust, this time taking an AAT (Advanced Diploma in Accounting) Level 3 qualification, which she passed successfully. She is currently about to start her AAT Level 4, and hopes to continue her study to become a fully qualified accountant.
Amanda Bromley, Director of People and Organisational Development for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “We run apprenticeships in a great variety of roles, ranging from the more expected healthcare areas like nursing and healthcare support, right through to catering, administration and finance. Apprenticeships offer an excellent opportunity to earn a salary and learn at the same time, while providing you with the skills you need for the future.”
If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships please contact the apprenticeship team on apprenticeships@stockport.nhs.uk