College offering healthy career options with NHS Apprenticeships
Hugh Baird College recently held their Student Awards Evening at the College’s new South Sefton Campus in Litherland. The annual event celebrates the success of students, recognising them for their hard work and commitment.
Earlier this year, Hugh Baird College and Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust announced their exciting partnership aimed at enhancing career opportunities in the Liverpool City Region and producing the skilled hospital workforce of the future.
The partnership resulted in apprenticeships aimed at both existing NHS staff and people wishing to pursue a career within the healthcare profession. The bespoke apprenticeship programmes build upon the in-house training provided by the NHS to their Health Care Assistants. As apprentices, they are able to continue with on-the-job training working on the hospital ward and, at the same time, attend Hugh Baird College for one day a week to work towards an Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care.
Aintree University Hospital led the way when they signed up the first apprentices at a recruitment day in the summer and the scheme has been so successful that it has already been rolled out to the Royal Liverpool Hospital and Liverpool Heart and Chest. Now, bosses hope that other hospitals will increase the number of places being offered to apprentices too.
Business Development Manager at Hugh Baird College, Lesley Weir, explained:
Our long-standing relationship with the NHS, and Aintree University Hospital in particular, means we have been able to work together to develop relevant apprenticeship training programmes and make the most of their Apprenticeship Levy funding. As well as aiming to attract more young people into healthcare professions, these apprenticeships enable existing NHS staff to improve and update their skills, gaining industry recognised qualifications and enhancing their career prospects. We’re delighted that both Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and the Royal Liverpool Hospital are now also reaping the benefits of this opportunity and we hope to welcome more NHS apprentices over the coming year.
Nineteen year old, Amy Garcia, had already undertaken work experience on Ward 10 at Aintree University Hospital before applying for the apprenticeship. Now based on a Gastroenterology Ward, she said:
It is very fast paced on the wards so having the day in College gives you a chance to reinforce the things you’re learning in the workplace. We get great support from the tutors and also from the other students.”
Ellie Ferguson works on the Aintree to Home rehabilitation ward, often with the elderly and those suffering with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She said:
Working on the ward is really rewarding and attending College one day a week really helps. I am getting more in-depth knowledge in College and learning life skills too, like the values and empathy that are needed for the job.
Also working with the elderly on a Dementia and Medicine ward is Melissa McRae, who said:
“Being at College focuses on more specific training, in areas such as safeguarding, and we can learn in more detail away from the busy ward. I chose to do the apprenticeship because the progression opportunities are varied so I can look at different career pathways such as paramedics or nursing.”
Paul Smyth, Apprenticeships Lead at Aintree Hospital said:
We are committed to supporting the next generation of NHS employees and making Aintree the employer of choice for people wanting to work in the health service. Apprenticeships are a great way to get a taste of working in a real NHS environment and benefitting from the support and mentoring offered by our dedicated and highly skilled staff.
If you would like to find out more about our range of Health and Social Care Apprenticeships, telephone 0800 046 7720 or visit www.hughbaird.ac.uk/index.php/apprenticeships.
