NHS apprentices battle it out in the boardroom to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week
NHS Birmingham East and North’s apprentices will be battling it out like the TV series ‘The Apprentice’ this week to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (1 -5 February).
The trust’s 14 apprentices will be split into teams and go head-to-head in a project based on current issues at the trust, which they will then have to present to a panel of judges, including the Chief Executive. The winning team will win high street vouchers and their ideas will be shared with staff.
Over the last four years, the trust has helped 116 local people complete apprenticeships, making it one of the largest employers of apprentices in the West Midlands. More than 50% of these have gone onto find paid employment in the region.
Kirsty Walker is a former apprentice who has gone on to find paid employment: “Before my apprenticeship I was stuck in a dead-end job. Now I have completed my apprenticeship, I have secured myself a career. I found my apprenticeship to be very enjoyable and was able to gain a qualification and earn money at the same time. I would highly recommend apprenticeships to anyone who is interested in further education, or simply looking to further their career.”
Ricky Manton-Leigh, Human Resources Manager and Regional Ambassador for Public Services Apprentices said: “Our apprenticeship scheme has been a huge success, benefitting both the apprentice and our staff. It is an excellent way or young people to gain work experience, learn practical skills and study for a qualification. I would like to congratulate all our apprentices for their achievements.”
Last year’s winner of ‘The Apprentice’ Yasmina Siadatan added: “My apprenticeship was certainly a bit different but I learnt a huge amount throughout what was an incredible experience. The apprenticeship scheme at NHS Birmingham East and North is a really worthwhile scheme for people to sign up to.”
NHS Birmingham East and North invites anyone aged 16 and over to apply for an apprenticeship, where you will be placed with a team for up to one year whilst working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). You will also be entitled to a study allowance of up to £100 a week. For more information email amy.huckle@benpct.nhs.uk or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Ends
Photo caption: Former apprentice Kirsty Walker with Human Resources Manager Ricky Manton-Leigh
Enquiries
For more information, please contact Niki McGrath, NHS Birmingham East and North External Communications Manager, on 0121 380 0620.
Notes for editors
National Apprenticeship Week is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices. It will see apprentices, employers, providers and all those involved with Apprenticeship programmes come together to celebrate the value of Apprenticeships.
National and regional activities will take place and each day will have a different focus. For more information visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
NHS Birmingham East and North is one of 152 primary care trusts within the English NHS. As a PCT it is responsible for the wise investment of public money to ensure health improvement, access to health services and where appropriate the provision of health services to a local population of some 438,000 people, across 17 wards across north and east Birmingham.
In summary we organise and fund the delivery of health care with the involvement of local people, maximising health outcomes for every pound spent – this is often referred to as commissioning.
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