The NHS in Norfolk and Waveney has been recognised for its work in the development of apprenticeships and been judged an Employer of the Year in the regional heat of the National Apprenticeship Awards.

The award was jointly awarded to all of the NHS trusts involved in the he Norfolk and Waveney Apprenticeship Programme:

– Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

– Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn

– James Paget University Hospital

– Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health

– Norfolk Community Health and Care

– NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney

The NHS won the Macro award for organisations employing more than 5,000 staff. Apprenticeships are a framework of education which combines core skills such as English and Maths with technical skills needed for specific clinical or admin jobs and also incorporates a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).

Apprenticeships are available to anyone between the ages of 16-65 and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital encourages existing staff to undertake frameworks relevant to their roles, and either the Level 2 Apprenticeship or the Advanced Level 3. At the end of March the Trust had 102 staff on programme. Advanced Apprenticeships at Level 3 are also widely used in Business Admin, Health, Health & Social Care, Pathology, IT and many other varied roles

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is taking part in a county-wide initiative to introduce supernumerary apprentices within local health services. The job roles include admin assistant roles, clinic receptionist/ward clerk in the emergency department, healthcare assistant roles in the emergency department, medical wards, surgical wards, operating theatre support workers and pathology laboratory support workers.

The aim is that the supernumerary apprentices will develop new skills and knowledge whilst working with an established team gaining valuable work experience and a recognised apprenticeship qualification – Business Administration Level 2, Health & Social Care Level 2, Pathology Support Worker Level 2, or Theatre Support Worker Level 2.