Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust will be one of many organisations across the UK taking part in National Apprenticeship Week (11- 15 March 2013), which highlights the positive impact apprenticeship schemes have on individuals, businesses and the economy. 

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, the Trust has planned a series of events, which include activities within the organisation and some partnership events with acute hospitals in both counties.

The Trust’s events will include a behind the scenes tour of an acute hospital for apprentices in training posts, and an electronic roll of honour for existing staff on the Trust’s staff Intranet.

Chief Executive Aidan Thomas will be visiting two apprentices at the Norvic Clinic, in Norwich, to personally find out more about the programme, as well as saddling up for a charity static bike ride at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to raise money for Dementia UK.

Aidan said: “The NHS provides lots of very fulfilling careers in places where most people are proud to work. I’m really pleased we are able to promote the role of apprenticeships as they provide an important gateway for the next generation of NHS staff.”

Since the Trust launched its apprenticeship programme in 2010-11, several existing support staff have gone on to gain their qualifications within the frameworks – or are on their way to doing so.

Kim Boggan, Support Workforce Training Co-ordinator at the Trust, said: “The qualifications are not easy and can be time consuming and hard work. However, the numbers of staff who have taken on this challenge clearly signifies the level of motivation our support work force have to develop themselves in their work role.” 

During this time, the Trust has also been able to offer fixed term training positions across the organisation, which have been filled by young people aged between 16 and 24 years. Some of these apprentices have since gone on to secure permanent positions within the Trust.

 

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