NNUH showcases opportunities during National Apprentice Week

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is celebrating the 10th National Apprenticeship Week (March 6-10) by showcasing the many opportunities available for people of all ages and backgrounds during the event which aims to bring together employers and potential apprentices.

Starting on Monday, the NNUH will be highlighting what the hospital has to offer and encouraging more people to look at apprenticeships as a way to start or progress their career, both through new apprenticeship posts, and existing staff training.

The NNUH currently has more than 600 employees who have either completed or are studying towards an apprenticeship programme in areas such as accounting, customer service, business and administration, laboratory technician, nursing assistants, clinical support services and many others.

As part of a week-long programme of events, there will be a display stand in the hospital’s West Atrium where people can come along and find out about the variety of apprenticeships on offer.

On Tuesday, a team will be at Norwich Job Centre for a drop in session where visitors will have the opportunity to find out what employers are looking for in application forms, particularly for apprenticeship roles. They will also be offering advice on interview techniques while promoting apprenticeships across the NHS and Social Care.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the NNUH apprenticeship team, along with colleagues from the James Paget Hospital, will be attending the Norfolk Skills and Careers Festivals at the Showground where thousands of people will be attending.

Among those championing the apprenticeship programme is Sarah Eley who was named NNUH Apprentice of the Year at the 2016 staff awards.

At the age of 50, Sarah left her customer relations manager post of 20 years to apply for a Healthcare Assistant Apprentice role at Cromer Hospital in what she described as “one of the best decisions of my life”.

She said: “I was worried at starting all over again at my age, and I did find it challenging at times fitting everything in, working full time, going back to college and studying, but the support I received from my colleagues and family was tremendous.

“I was then offered a substantive post at the end of my apprenticeship. I cannot recommend the apprenticeship scheme highly enough.”

NNUH Director of Workforce Jeremy Over said: “Apprenticeships are massively important to our hospital as they help us recruit, train and develop the best people as part of our caring team.”

More details about the NNUH apprenticeship programme visit our website at www.nnuh.nhs.uk/working-for-us/apprenticeships/

Sarah Eley, Healthcare Assistant Apprentice