National Apprenticeship Week 2012
National Apprenticeship Week will take place from 6-10 February and will highlight the talents and skills of apprentices and celebrate the value of apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships in the NHS
Apprenticeships provide routes into a variety of careers, including many in the NHS, and offer the opportunity to earn, learn and achieve nationally recognised qualifications at the same time.
Apprenticeships are for people looking for a job that enables them to carry on learning and for those already in employment who want to gain a nationally recognised qualification.
The number of apprenticeship posts in the NHS has grown significantly in recent years. In 2008/09, there were just 1,300 new apprenticeships in England but latest figures show that there will be over 6,000 new apprentices starting in the NHS in 2012.
Apprenticeships in the NHS are offered by individual organisations (such as trusts), and are incredibly diverse ranging from clinical support workers and pharmacy assistants to human resources and catering services.
Benefits of apprenticeships
There are many benefits to becoming an apprentice, including:
- Earning an income
- Getting paid holidays
- Receiving training
- Nationally recognised qualification
- Learning job specific skills.
Case studies
Daniel started work in the NHS as a healthcare assistant with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and joined the trust's apprenticeship scheme in November 2005.
Nathaniel is a training co-ordinator at King's College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London after completing an apprenticeship.
Thom has just completed an Apprenticeship in Business Administration at Level 2 at Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust.
Emily started working in the NHS when she was just 16, as a relief ward clerk at York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust started their apprenticeship recruitment in November 2009.
Finding an apprenticeship
You can search for apprenticeship vacancies nationally and in your area on the NHS Jobs website. There are also vacancies listed on the national apprenticeships website.
For more information on apprenticeships in the NHS, visit our apprenticeships web page and watch our exclusive video featuring current apprentices talking about what it's like to do an apprenticeship.
