Apprenticeships

Bradford Teaching Hospitals operates a successful apprenticeship scheme.

And we’d like to share not just one good news story about it with you – but two!

We’re delighted that two of our apprentices have progressed to secure substantive posts within our Division of Medicine. Saika Noreen has gained a band 3 role in the Central Performance Team; and Amy Dempsey has been appointed a band 2 administrative support assistant.

Amy, 22, heard about our apprenticeship scheme after signing up to NHS Jobs.

“I was struggling to get a job because in some cases I just didn’t have the experience,” she said. “It’s a bit of a vicious circle because the only way you can gain experience is through having a job!

“When I signed up to NHS Jobs, the apprenticeship scheme caught my eye and I thought this would be a great way to get started and get
a foot in the door.

Varied and interesting

“The work has been really varied and interesting and being an apprentice also gives you the chance to try your hand in lots of
different areas. It gives you an idea then of what you enjoy doing most and in which area you’d like to work.”

Saika, who is 37, thought age might be a barrier to getting on to the apprenticeship scheme, but was pleasantly surprised.

“I had been a full-time stay-at-home mum and out of the job market for quite a while,” she said. “I have a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old
son.

“Lots of family members work in the NHS and they encouraged me to do the same. When I read about apprenticeships, I naturally assumed I’d be too old so I was thrilled when I was told this was not the case and I had been successful.

“The apprenticeship has been a great way for me to get back into work and given me the chance to learn lots of new skills.”

Both Saika and Amy agree that they have joined the Trust at one of its most exciting and revolutionary times – thanks to the introduction of our EPR (electronic patient record) system. And both of them are proud to report that they got instantly fully involved – becoming EPR Friends and helping others through their skills and knowledge.

So would they now recommend others enrol on our apprenticeship scheme?

“Absolutely,” says Amy. “It’s a good introduction to the world of work, a way to build skills and confidence and to give you a foot up with your career.”

“The NHS can offer so many options too and I feel I now have choices. I am even considering whether or not to pursue a clinical career.”

“I would definitely recommend it,” added Saika. “An apprenticeship is a great starting point for people my age who have been out of work for a while and are lacking in experience and confidence. There are so many opportunities and the training you get really helps you realise what job you want to do ultimately.”

The Trust’s Head of Education, Amanda Hudson, said: “An apprenticeship is an ideal entry route for people into the NHS. It allows individuals to study for a recognised qualification alongside gaining valuable experience in a paid job that will allow them to put the knowledge and skills they gain from the qualification into practice.

“It is a viable alternative to going to university for many young people and can lead to successful careers in their chosen field.”

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2018 will take place this year from March 5 to 9 and in support of this we are holding an Apprenticeship Careers Fair on Wednesday, 7 March in the main corridor of Field House, Bradford Royal Infirmary, from noon to 4pm. The fair will provide information to potential and existing employees about apprenticeships and the best way to enrol or apply for an apprenticeship role.

Apprenticeships are available in healthcare, hospitality and catering, facilities, finance, IT, HR, education plus many more areas. NAW 2018 promises to be bigger and better than ever before, showcasing how apprenticeships work for individuals, businesses, the local community and the country’s wider economy.