The Apprenticeship programme, and the new Pre-Apprenticeship programme run by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted for prestigious national award.

The award entry is called NHS Apprentices – Changing a Workforce by Raising Aspiration and Providing Opportunity. The aim of the Pre-Apprenticeship programme is to keep young people in education and equip them with work ready skills and is designed to give young people the opportunity to find training and employment opportunities in a range of hospital departments.

It has been shortlisted in the Efficiency in Training and Education category in the Health Service Journal Efficiency Awards 2012.

Julia Watling, NNUH Training and Development Manager, says: “ Apprenticeships have been used as a ‘Gold Standard’ training tool at the Trust for new and existing staff in bands 1-4 since 2010.

“Over 50 young people have gained employment with us through the Apprenticeship programme since the scheme was set up. Working in partnership with a local 6th form college and another NHS Trust the new Pre-Apprenticeship programme will enable the NHS to reach young people while they are still in full time education and support them with developing necessary work skills.

“There are some areas of the hospital where entry has been difficult for school leavers and we are providing an innovative and practical programme which gives young people their first step on the career ladder.”

The winners will be announced at an event in London in September.