NHS Trust highlights apprenticeship programme
Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust is recognised as one of the top NHS providers of apprenticeships in the South West, supported by a bespoke training programme for each learner.
Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a leading option for work-based training while working towards qualifications. The training programme offered by the Trust is designed to engage apprentices and develop their understanding of the organisation, culture and development of behavioural and employability skills and emotional intelligence. From these sessions work is then set to help progress the learners through their qualification.
Working in collaboration with external training providers the Trust is able to ensure that the programme meets a high standard and supports the culture, values and strategic aims of the organisation as well as each individual’s goals and aspirations.
Mandy Johnson, Learning and Trainer explains further: “It is important that we work closely with our local training providers to develop qualifications that are fit for purpose and cost effective to provide a stable workforce that is able to meet changing demands.
“We have an ageing workforce and apprentices are a flexible and cost effective solution to ensure valuable skills, knowledge and experience is not lost. Apprentices also bring a new set of skills. In particular they are a competent with technology, flexible and open to developing in the culture of the NHS. Staff supporting apprentices have the opportunity to coach young people to achieve, with the result that generations working together can optimise and deliver a service of excellence.”
JHP Training is one of these partners who specialise in providing vocational training solutions to individuals. Kelly Thompson, Operations Manager from JHP Training understands the benefits of collaborative working to get the best of out each learner: “Apprenticeship programmes are an excellent way of future proofing the skills of your workforce. The qualifications JHP deliver help all staff to develop, whatever their goal, from confidence building to promotion, to simple enjoyment.
“Our JHP apprentices have been a great success, they have moved through the NHS, including now being part of the management structure, helping bring new skills into the workplace. Apprentices of all ages are positive about using their initiative, recognising abilities they never realised they had and using them in a positive way.
“JHP are here to work with the NHS to develop their staff skills, knowledge and abilities and help individuals to reach their goals whilst supporting the NHS in developing a well-trained, highly skilled workforce.”
Richard Daulton from the National Apprenticeship Service acknowledges the commitment of the Trust to deliver a successful apprenticeship programme: “Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust’s established and growing apprenticeship programme extends across a number of key areas of the Trust’s activities.
“The programme is proving to be a really practical and effective way of securing and developing many of the skills and talents the Trust needs for both new recruits and existing staff. The Trust has won external awards celebrating the achievements of its apprentices and its commitment as an employer and this is testimony to the important the Trust places on apprenticeships."
A former apprentice, who now supports the programme as a mentor, Kate Uren-Mosely explains how the training helped her: “Having the correct advice and learning steps allowed me to build on what I had been given, like a stepping stone and from then on it was me learning my way and exploring more possibilities.
“I loved every minute of my apprenticeship and I would recommend it to everyone. It gave me the chance to work in an area I love, make friends and secure a future through my hard work.”
Apprenticeships are an opportunity to earn while you learn and in a way that is best suited to the individual. Although they can be demanding they are also very rewarding and can often offer more career choices as the learner can demonstrate the skills that the employer is looking for.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust please contact Mandy Johnson, Learning and Development Trainer on 01752 437140
