THE NATIONAL Health Service is celebrating almost 3,000 new apprentices in the South East as national apprentice week continues.
The service is encouraging members of the public to consider apprenticeships as a way of developing their skills and getting a head-start on a career in health work.
Apprentices are a crucial part of the NHS’ long-term workforce plan,
It is seeking to triple the number of trainees coming into the workforce by the end of the decade.
This would mean more than 20% of new recruits would join the service under apprenticeship schemes.
It comes as National Apprenticeship Week continues, during which organisations celebrate their apprentices, in partnership with the Department of Education.
The NHS has a number of schemes available, including their Careers for Young People programme, with programmes ranging from 1-5 years.
Schemes cover roles such as therapy workers, maternity support workers, pharmacy services, nursing, and administration roles, among others.
The joint interim NHS south east director for Workforce, Training, and Education, Ruth Monger, said: “Apprentices are an essential part of the NHS being able to deliver the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan–growing and developing our workforce to improve patient care.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic tool, for any age or stage – for those starting out in their careers, career changers and those in established roles.
“They are critical to the NHS being able to attract new talent whilst also providing opportunities to develop our existing workforce.”
She added: “Across the region, I am delighted by the wide range of apprenticeships on offer, and that the range of programmes and number of trainees continue to increase with the most popular being the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.
“This is enabling us to substantially grow our nursing workforce.
“This week is about recognising and celebrating our apprentices, and the valuable work they complete across the NHS.”
Full details about apprenticeships in the NHS are available via: healthcareers.nhs.uk
