Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has just achieved the Gold standard in support and training for work experience applicants.

They’ve been assessed to receive NHS England Gold Award for delivering high-quality work experience placements.

The NHS England’s review showed that the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust learning and development team together with colleagues across the organisation offered excellent support for people undergoing work experience at Stepping Hill Hospital and in community NHS services in Stockport, with high standards of assessment, and high quality learner packs providing accessible information.

They were also judged to give those on work experience a friendly environment in which to discuss their options, and a good range of opportunities to develop transferable skills.

The recognition reflects the commitment and effort teams across the trust in creating meaningful opportunities for future NHS employees. Over the past year they have:

• Provided just under 200 work experience placements
• Provided over 100 T-Level & Cadet placements
• Attended 20 career events throughout Stockport  
• Delivered One Stockport Safari Taster Day to 150 local students strengthening local partnerships and creating joined-up opportunities for learners across the borough.

• Delivered three Pre-Employment Programmes with over 80% of placements gaining employment at the trust.

These placements spanned a wide range of areas, including various wards, Pharmacy, Radiology, Theatres, EBME, Clinical Coding, Finance, Administration, Learning and Education, Catering, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, and IT, amongst others.

The report said the team had shown ‘an incredible commitment to creating meaningful and high-quality work experience placements’, and have  ‘set a fantastic standard for others to follow.’

Amanda Bromley, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Director of People & Organisational Development said “Work experience schemes provide an invaluable form of learning, insight and experience, both for those taking part in the scheme, and for those who provide it and receive their service. They’re an excellent way to prepare anyone who wants to pursue a career in delivering the healthcare of the future.

 We’re delighted our team who provide the support for this have been credited with the Gold standard and look forward to them supporting many more applicants in the years to come.”